Viral Siddaramaiah-Zameer Video Puts Karnataka Congress Dynamics Under Spotlight

A video purportedly showing former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressing frustration over senior Congress MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan has gone viral on social media, triggering fresh speculation about internal equations within the ruling Congress and the ongoing tussle over cabinet expansion .

The video reportedly captures an interaction between Siddaramaiah and a supporter of Khan at the former chief minister's official residence in Bengaluru a few days ago. In the clip, the supporter urges Siddaramaiah to help secure a cabinet berth for Khan in the government led by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar .

Responding to the request, Siddaramaiah is heard asking, "Did I ask him to work against the party?" When the supporter reiterates that Khan is his close loyalist, the visibly upset Congress veteran replies, "Does that mean he can work against me?" before reportedly asking the man to leave.

The exchange has drawn attention because Khan was long regarded as one of Siddaramaiah's closest associates and served as a minister in his previous cabinet. However, Khan was left out of the first phase of cabinet formation when Shivakumar took oath as chief minister along with 13 ministers on June 3.

Since then, Khan's supporters have staged protests demanding his inclusion in the cabinet, with some even calling for him to be appointed deputy chief minister . The demonstrations have underscored the growing pressure on the Congress leadership as it seeks to balance regional, community and factional interests during the cabinet expansion process.

Political observers say the viral episode highlights the challenges facing the Congress in managing competing aspirations within its ranks . While there has been no official reaction from either Siddaramaiah or Khan regarding the video, the incident has added fuel to discussions about leadership dynamics and power-sharing arrangements within the Karnataka Congress.