Mangaluru: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has taken serious note of the public display of factionalism within the Karnataka Congress after rival groups of party workers raised slogans at the Mangaluru International Airport during the arrival of AICC general secretary KC Venugopal on 3 December. The incident has led to a show-cause notice being issued to Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) general secretary Mithun Rai, even as senior district leaders insist that the matter is being blown out of proportion.
The episode unfolded when Venugopal landed in the coastal city to attend the centenary celebration marking the historic dialogue between Mahatma Gandhi and Sri Narayana Guru. What was intended to be a routine reception by local party cadres turned into an uncomfortable situation for the central leader, with two groups of Congress workers shouting slogans backing different state leaders. One group led by Mithun Rai voiced support for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, while another faction led by MLC Ivan D’Souza countered with slogans rooting for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Show-cause notice to Mithun Rai
AICC’s disciplinary wing acted swiftly by sending a formal notice to Mithun Rai, seeking an explanation for the display of groupism during Venugopal’s arrival. Confirming receipt of the notice, Rai downplayed the development, calling it an internal family matter of the party.
“This is not a controversy at all. It is an internal matter of our family. The mother has given a notice to the children; there is no confusion about it,” Rai said, emphasising that he would respond to the notice soon. His remarks indicated that he viewed the disciplinary action as a routine organisational measure rather than a stern reprimand.
Rai, who hails from Dakshina Kannada and has been active in the coastal belt’s Congress unit, has often been considered close to Shivakumar’s camp. Party insiders believe his supporters’ slogans were a show of loyalty rather than an attempt to embarrass the leadership.
Ivan D’Souza denies receiving any notice
In contrast, Ivan D’Souza stated that he had not received any communication from the AICC. Defending his supporters’ sloganeering in favour of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he argued that there was nothing objectionable in expressing support for the state’s top executive.
“Why should I get a notice? What is wrong in raising slogans in favour of our chief minister?” he questioned. D’Souza, a prominent figure in the coastal region, has long been associated with the Siddaramaiah faction. His comments suggested that he viewed the incident as being selectively highlighted, with no wrongdoing on his part.
District Congress leadership plays down the issue
Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee (DCC) president Harish Kumar sought to calm tempers by suggesting that such incidents were not uncommon in political gatherings. He noted that Venugopal might have felt momentarily awkward due to the public display of factional loyalties, prompting the notice. However, he added that the central leadership was unlikely to pursue the matter harshly.
“Venugopal might have faced an embarrassing situation, and that is said to be the reason behind the notice. But slogans are routine in politics, and AICC is unlikely to treat this as a serious issue,” he remarked. Kumar’s perspective aligned with the broader sentiment within the district unit that the episode was being unnecessarily magnified.
Background: Regional dynamics in coastal Karnataka
Factional alignments within the Karnataka Congress are not new, particularly in the coastal belt where leaders often align themselves with prominent state-level figures. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who jointly head the state government and the party organisation, have substantial support bases. Slogans backing either leader are commonly heard during public events, especially when senior figures visit the region.
In this instance, the convergence of two vocal groups at the airport amplified the divide momentarily. While such rival chants may reflect internal allegiances, party officials insist they do not amount to a serious organisational rift. The Congress high command has in the past acted swiftly to address even minor signs of indiscipline to maintain a united front, especially after returning to power in Karnataka.
Conclusion
While the issuance of a show-cause notice to Mithun Rai highlights the AICC’s sensitivity towards public expressions of factionalism, the local leadership maintains that the matter is minor and will settle internally. With both groups reiterating loyalty to the broader party structure, the incident is expected to fade once the AICC reviews Rai’s response. For now, the Karnataka Congress appears keen to project unity as it focuses on governance and future electoral challenges.