Rift in Chickballapur and Kolar Congress units spills into the open

Conflicting opinions within the Chickballapur and Kolar Congress units have become evident in recent days. Social media posts by Chickballapur MLA Pradeep Eshwar have fueled speculation and embarrassment for the party. On October 1, Eshwar shared a X post about the alleged ban on Dalits entering temples in Chintamani, followed by another post listing temples where such restrictions were allegedly enforced.

Eshwar urged Dalits to report such incidents to him. Political sources suggest that his comments were directed at M.C. Sudhakar, a Chintamani Congress MLA with whom he has a strained relationship. Eshwar claimed that Sri Rama temple at S. Raghuttahalli had been closed for three years after a visit by Social Welfare Minister K.H.

Muniyappa, a senior Dalit leader. On Sunday, Eshwar alleged that seven accused in a 2014 arson case in Kambalapalli village were acquitted due to mistranslated statements and a change in case direction after a translator intervened. He threatened to release documents about businesses linked to a powerful Chintamani leader, hinting at a feud between Eshwar and the leader.

Kolar district Congress legislators, including H.Y. Nanjegowda, K.Y. Narayanswamy, S.N. Subbareddy, and Kothanur Manjunath, met with the Chief Minister on Sunday to address internal disagreements within the Kolar Congress unit. The legislators alleged interference by KGF MLA Roopa Shashidhar, daughter of Social Welfare Minister K.H.

Muniyappa, in the bank affairs, which led to a meeting with the Chief Minister to prevent a legislator from removing the DCC Bank's managing director.