‘Duty of every Congressman to fall in line’: Minister Priyank Kharge on MLC Abdul Jabbar’s suspension

BENGALURU: Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday backed the party’s decision to suspend Congress Member of Legislative Council, Abdul Jabbar, for anti-party activities in the recent bypoll for the Davanagere South Assembly constituency.

Speaking to reporters, Priyank Kharge said, “Whatever decision the party takes is final. Nobody is above the party. Every decision has been made in the interest of the party. It is the duty of every congressman to fall in line…”

Congress leader Abdul Jabbar had demanded a ticket for the Davangere seat, looking to come to the Legislative Assembly. However, the Congress ticket eventually went to Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjuna. It is alleged that Jabbar had supported other candidates who were in the fray during the by-election for the Davangere South constituency.

#WATCH | Bengaluru: On MLC Abdul Jabbar’s suspension from Congress over anti-party activity, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge says, “… Whatever decision the party takes is final. Nobody is above the party. Every decision has been made in the interest of the party. It is the… pic.twitter.com/LEnSSpWLrP

— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2026

“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.

On March 15, MLC Jabbar had put forward his bid to contest the bypolls. He requested the leadership to give him a ticket and give him a chance to be 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.

The by-elections in Davanagere South and Bagalkot constituencies in Karnataka concluded on April 9, taking place concurrently. While the Congress had fielded Samarth Shamanur Mallikarjuna, the BJP put forward Srinivas T Dasakariyappa. (ANI)