Tensions Rise as Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar’s Camps Lock Horns Over Delhi Incident.
A heated confrontation between two senior Karnataka government officials at Karnataka Bhavan, Delhi has spiraled into a full-blown political controversy. The clash reflects the simmering tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, exposing deep factional rifts within the Congress government.
What Triggered the ‘Babu Brawl’?
The incident reportedly occurred on July 22 and involved:
- C Mohan Kumar, Assistant Resident Commissioner & Special Duty Officer (SDO) to CM Siddaramaiah
- H Anjaneya, SDO to Deputy CM & Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar
According to a formal complaint filed by H Anjaneya, the dispute escalated to the point where Mohan Kumar allegedly threatened to remove his shoe and beat him, in front of other staff members, including a senior official named Prameela.
Inside the Confrontation
- Anjaneya alleged Kumar used abusive language and humiliated him publicly inside the administrative offices of Karnataka Bhavan.
- He warned that if “any accident happens”, Kumar should be held responsible.
- The complaint also refers to past incidents of harassment, including an alleged assault on another official, MM Joshi.
- Anjaneya claimed he had already sought a transfer to avoid conflict, citing a “toxic environment” fueled by factional loyalties.
Counter-Claims from Siddaramaiah’s Aide
C Mohan Kumar has denied the allegations, claiming:
- Anjaneya was indisciplined and had multiple complaints from other staff members.
- His own actions were intended to enforce discipline, not harass or threaten anyone.
- He accused Anjaneya of misbehaviour and creating unrest within the Bhavan.
Inquiry Ordered
Following the complaint:
- Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has ordered an official inquiry into the incident.
- The Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir has been asked to submit a detailed report.
Political Fallout: Congress Power Struggle in Spotlight
What could have been dismissed as a bureaucratic spat has now turned political, with the Karnataka BJP jumping in to highlight the rift between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka posted on social media:
“Congress leadership has lost control over Karnataka. From backroom politics to open threats in Delhi, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar’s camps are tearing each other apart. This isn’t governance, it’s anarchy.”
The BJP claims the episode is proof of deepening factionalism within the Congress, which jointly came to power in 2023 but has been plagued by leadership tussles and succession rumors.
Wider Context: A CM-Deputy CM Power Game?
- Since June 2025, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have made multiple trips to Delhi for consultations with the party high command.
- These visits have fueled speculation of internal firefighting, despite public statements framing them as routine governance discussions.
- The clash between their aides only intensifies speculation about an underlying power struggle between the two leaders.
Key Takeaways
✅ Shoe threat incident at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi sparks controversy
✅ Formal complaint filed, inquiry ordered by Chief Secretary
✅ BJP seizes on the row to attack Congress government
✅ Speculation of deepening power struggle between Siddaramaiah & DK Shivakumar
