Factional fight heats up in Kolar Cong over Komul, DCC Bank control

Nanjegowda -Narayanaswamy power struggle intensifies

Kolar: A long-brewing power struggle within the Kolar District Congress over control of the District Cooperative Central (DCC) Bank and the Kolar District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd (Komul) has intensified in recent months, splitting the party into multiple factions.

The Komul elections in particular have become a point of serious contention between Malur MLA K Y Nanjegowda and Bangarpet MLA S N Narayanaswamy, both from the Congress party.

Both are reportedly eyeing the Komul president post and are fielding their loyalists in the elections for director positions to strengthen their control.

Narayanaswamy has consistently brought up past Kochimul (Kolar and Chikkaballapur Districts Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd) scams, demanding thorough investigations. He has been alleging that efforts are being made to keep him out of Komul because of the fear that he might expose irregularities. His comments that “Ramesh Kumar is not our high command” have further widened the rift between him and Nanjegowda.

Recent defeat 

The rivalry was on full display during the recent DCC Bank directors’ election, where Malur MLA Nanjegowda’s supporter, B R Srinivas, was defeated by Byalhalli Govindgowda, who had the backing of Narayanaswamy and MLA Roopakala Shashidhar. This loss reportedly upset Nanjegowda, as efforts to outmanoeuvre Govindgowda fell short.

Adding to the drama, Govindgowda was seen accompanying Narayanaswamy when he filed his nomination for the Komul elections from Bangarpet, a move seen as a show of unity and strength.

Recently, both Nanjegowda and Narayanaswamy celebrated their birthdays in grand public events that many interpreted as demonstrations of political clout.

Why Komul?

One of the main reasons both leaders are pushing for the Komul presidency is due to the low chances of cabinet expansion in the near future. With their hopes for ministerial berths diminishing, the Komul leadership offers a strategic alternative.

Further complicating matters, Food Minister K H Muniyappa, who has reportedly promised to step down after two years, is likely to recommend his daughter, MLA Roopakala, for a cabinet position, further reducing opportunities for others from the district.

K Y Nanjegowda has also withdrawn from the KMF (Karnataka Milk Federation) president race, likely because former MP D K Suresh is now vying for that post. Instead, Nanjegowda seems determined to return as Komul president and has already taken a step forward by being unanimously elected as a director.

On the other hand, Narayanaswamy too appears interested in the same post. When asked, he diplomatically stated that he would abide by the high command’s decision. 

As both leaders try to consolidate their influence, they are fielding their supporters in Komul’s key constituencies.

Third front?

While Congress has long been divided between two main factions, a new third front seems to be forming under Narayanaswamy, creating further instability. This faction is believed to have a tactical alliance with K H Muniyappa’s group.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders like MLA Kottur Manjunath and MLC M L Anil Kumar, who are part of the existing alliance, are occasionally seen indirectly criticising Narayanaswamy. This internal conflict has left Congress workers in confusion, unsure of whom to support.

Political observers are closely watching to see how far this infighting will go — and what role the Congress high command will eventually play in resolving the leadership battle.