Factionalism in the Congress came in the open when Congress workers shouted pro-D. K. Shivakumar and pro-Siddaramaiah slogans separately at the Mangaluru International Airport on Wednesday.
A section of Congress workers raised pro-Shivakumar slogans when AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal arrived at the airport to attend a function at Mangalore University on Wednesday.
When Mr. Venugopal arrived, the Congress workers shouted “DK DK (for CM’s post)”. They surrounded Mr. Venugopal’s car and continued to raise slogans in favour of Mr. Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post. Without responding, Mr. Venugopal left the airport in the car.
Mr. Siddaramaiah landed at the airport in a separate flight later. This time, workers in favour of the Chief Minister raised pro-Siddaramaiah slogans when he was receiving the guard of honour and leaving the airport. MLC Ivan D’Souza was prominently seen shouting “Siddu Siddu”.
The function was jointly organised by Brahmashree Narayana Guru Study Chair at Mangalore University and Sivagiri Mutt to celebrate the centenary of the meeting and conversation between social reformer Narayana Guru and Mahatma Gandhi at Sivagiri Mutt on March 12, 1925.
Meanwhile, speaking to media Mr. Siddaramaiah said that Mr. Venugopal and himself did not discuss any political matters in Mangaluru.
Responding to Mr. Shivakumar leaving for Delhi on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that he was free to travel. “I will go to Delhi only if I am called,” the Chief Minister said.
Even while on the stage at Mangalore University, both Mr. Siddaramaiah and Mr. Venugopal chose to remain silent without much mutual conversation. Mr. Venugolal later left for Kerala.
Published – December 03, 2025 07:16 pm IST
