Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge publicly rebuked supporters of Karnataka CM-designate DK Shivakumar during a party event in Bengaluru [1].
The incident highlights deepening factional divisions within the Karnataka Congress, specifically between the camps of DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. The outburst suggests a struggle to maintain party discipline as individual leadership cults clash with the central party hierarchy.
The confrontation occurred June 2, 2026 [2], during a Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) swearing-in event. According to reports, supporters of Shivakumar repeatedly chanted slogans in favor of the CM-designate, interrupting the proceedings [1].
Kharge lost his patience with the crowd and addressed the supporters directly. "You are useless fellows," Kharge said [1].
The Congress president said that the party should not serve as a platform for the glorification of individual leaders. The tension at the event mirrored ongoing disputes regarding the formation of the Karnataka cabinet, and the distribution of power among top state officials [2].
Local observers said that the chanting had become a recurring point of friction during recent gatherings. Kharge's reaction marks a rare public display of frustration from the national leader toward the state's party rank and file [1].
Supporters of DK Shivakumar have continued to push for his prominence within the state administration. However, the national leadership has sought to balance these ambitions to prevent further instability within the regional organization [1].
“"You are useless fellows."”
This public clash indicates that the internal rivalry between the Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah factions has reached a point where it is disrupting official party functions. By publicly reprimanding the supporters, Kharge is attempting to assert the authority of the national leadership over regional power brokers to prevent the Karnataka wing from fracturing further.
