BENGALURU: Abdul Jabbar, Member of the Legislative Council, was suspended by Karnataka Congress on Wednesday over allegations of anti-party activities during the recent bypolls in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency. Congress leader Abdul Jabbar had sought a ticket for the Davangere seat, aiming to become a member of the Legislative Assembly. However, the Congress party fielded Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjuna instead. It is alleged that Jabbar supported other candidates in the fray during the Davanagere South bypolls.“Abdul Jabbar, Member of Legislative Council, No.24, 4th Road, Benson A-Cross Road, Benson Town, Bengaluru is hereby suspended from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress party (INC) with immediate effect, in view of his anti-party activities in recent by-election of Davanagere South Assembly Constituency,” read the order by party’s state president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Earlier on March 15, MLC Jabbar had expressed his intent to contest the bypolls. He had requested the leadership to give him a ticket and an opportunity to become an MLA, even if for two years.“I am asking for a ticket from the party, and I am not just demanding it without reason. I am an MLC and I want to become an MLA, I have over 40 years of experience. I have been a district president,” he told reporters here. Highlighting his experience and contribution to the party, he added, “Atleast in two-three Parliamentary elections I have worked, I have worked n some many areas to get a Congress candidate elected. In recent elections I have gone to many places to make Congress win. What Zameer (BZ Zameer Khan, Karnataka minister) said is not correct too. Wherever there are voters in large numbers, Zameer sir should go there. Some leaders used to not go to constituencies, now they went to those places that is why we won so many seats.” In his earlier bid, he said that he had received support from several local leaders.“I am trying to Davangere south, because it is easier for me (to contest) rather than other candidates here. That is why I am trying. District leaders are asking, others are also asking. Our claim is that I should get the ticket, someone else can become an MLC. I have 2 years of time to become MLA,” he said. He, however, also said that he does not wish to leave the party, adding, “I have hope from the party that I would get the ticket. If I get the ticket then I can’t say anything, and I can’t leave the party. I support the party.” The by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot constituencies in Karnataka concluded on April 9, held concurrently. While the Congress fielded Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjuna, the BJP fielded Srinivas T Dasakariyappa. The seat had fallen vacant following the death of Congress MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
