Clash at Karnataka Bhavan: DK Shivakumar’s Aide Accuses Siddaramaiah Camp Official of Assault With Shoe

A bitter dispute has erupted within Karnataka’s ruling party after H Anjaneya, special officer to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, accused C Mohan Kumar, assistant resident commissioner and special officer to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, of attacking him with a shoe during a heated verbal exchange at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi. The incident, which took place in an office chamber in front of several witnesses, has triggered a political storm, with the BJP alleging serious infighting between the camps of the state’s top two leaders.

According to Anjaneya’s official complaint to Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir, the altercation saw Kumar threaten and physically assault him, an act Anjaneya said “hurt my honour and dignity.” He has demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated against Kumar, citing concerns for his personal safety and listing alleged prior instances of aggressive behaviour by Kumar towards other staff members. “If any accident happens, Kumar will be responsible,” Anjaneya wrote, also noting previous requests for a transfer to avoid such encounters.

Jamir confirmed receiving the complaint, dated July 22, and assured that due process would be followed in investigating the matter. Anjaneya’s letter detailed accusations of systematic disruption of his work by Kumar and referred to earlier cases where Kumar allegedly disrespected senior officers and displayed “ego” as the CM’s special officer.

The BJP in Karnataka quickly seized on the incident, calling it proof of continued factionalism and deepening tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar. The clash, widely discussed across political circles and social media platforms, has renewed speculation about a power struggle between the two Congress heavyweights, whose alliance was instrumental in the party’s 2023 assembly win but has often been rumoured to be fragile.

No official word has yet been issued by the offices of either the Chief Minister or Deputy Chief Minister. The outcome of the complaint and any possible disciplinary or legal action against Kumar are awaited as the controversy continues to fuel debate about stability within the Karnataka government.