Karnataka Bhavan Dispute Escalates

A significant clash between two senior officials from Karnataka, stationed at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi, has sparked a political controversy. The incident involves C Mohan Kumar, Assistant Resident Commissioner and Special Duty Officer (SDO) to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and H Anjaneya, SDO to Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President DK Shivakumar. The altercation reportedly occurred on July 22, with Mr Anjaneya alleging that Mr Kumar threatened to “remove his shoe and beat” him in front of other staff members, including a senior official named Prameela.

Formal Complaint and Inquiry

Following the incident, Mr Anjaneya filed a formal complaint with Karnataka Bhavan’s Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir and Karnataka’s Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh. He accused Mr Kumar of harassment and abuse of authority, citing repeated obstructions. Mr Anjaneya has demanded criminal proceedings against Mr Kumar. In response, Chief Secretary Rajneesh has ordered an official inquiry and requested a report from the Resident Commissioner.

Details of the Confrontation

The confrontation reportedly took place within the administrative offices of Karnataka Bhavan. In his complaint, Mr Anjaneya alleged that Mr Kumar used abusive language and threatened physical assault with a shoe. He described this as a direct attack on his dignity and warned that Mr Kumar should be held accountable if any harm comes to him. The complaint also references past incidents where Mr Kumar allegedly assaulted another official, MM Joshi. Mr Anjaneya claimed he had previously sought a transfer to avoid conflict with Mr Kumar, citing a “toxic environment” fueled by factional loyalties within the Bhavan. Meanwhile, Mr Kumar has denied the allegations, accusing Mr Anjaneya of indiscipline and misbehavior. He defended his actions as efforts to enforce discipline at Karnataka Bhavan.

Political Implications

The incident has transformed from a bureaucratic dispute into a political flashpoint. The Karnataka BJP has highlighted the clash as evidence of internal discord within the Congress government. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticized the Congress leadership for losing control over its government in Bengaluru. He described the public conflict between CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar as dangerous and embarrassing. The confrontation between their aides has reignited speculation about a power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Despite their joint success in the 2023 assembly elections, rumors of internal tensions persist. Since June 2025, both leaders have made multiple visits to Delhi for consultations with party leadership, fueling speculation about internal disputes.