Sadiq Pahilwan, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, along with other party leaders from the Muslim community, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on May 6, 2026. | Photo credit: Special arrangement
In a show of unity after the Congress’s victory in the Davanagere South Assembly constituency by-election, leaders of the minority communities seem to be reuniting.
Sadiq Pahilwan, who withdrew from the Davanagere South election contest, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday (May 6, 2026). Although he was initially interested in contesting as a rebel candidate, he backed out after discussions with Mr. Siddaramaiah and KPCC chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Two days after the poll results, Mr. Pahilwan, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad along with other party leaders from the Muslim community met the Chief Minister and congratulated him on the party’s victory.
Congress candidate Samarth, son of minister SS Mallikarjun, defeated BJP candidate Srinivasa Dasakariyappa in Davanagere South constituency.
In April, following alleged anti-party activities during the by-elections, the Congress government removed MLC Naseer Ahmed from his post as political secretary to the chief minister. The party has also suspended K. Abdul Jabbar, a three-time MLC, from its primary membership for similar reasons with immediate effect. Mr Jabbar had earlier resigned as chairman of the KPCC minority cell.
Published – May 6, 2026 1:41 PM IST
