Bengaluru: The race for the coveted KMF chairman post has triggered a sharp triangular contest within the Congress party, with three prominent leaders — DK Suresh, Bhima Nayak, and Malur Nanjegowda — emerging as key aspirants.
Sources in the party confirm that DK Suresh, brother of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, is almost certain to enter the fray. Former chairman Bhima Nayak, considered close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is also keen on a second term. Meanwhile, Malur MLA KY Nanjegowda has made it clear he too is preparing for the contest.
This growing internal rivalry has sparked a full-blown political tussle, with each aspirant mobilising support from their respective regional milk unions. Suresh is said to have backing from the Bengaluru Rural Milk Union, while Bhima Nayak has the Ballari belt in his corner. Nanjegowda, on the other hand, is pushing for a promised opportunity, reportedly assured during the previous term when Bhima Nayak was chosen with the understanding that Nanjegowda would be his successor.
Bhima Nayak, speaking to the media, stated, “I’ve been assured by both the CM and DyCM that I’ll be given an opportunity again. There’s no need for me to lobby further.” However, he also made a subtle counter to DK Suresh’s candidacy, pointing out that delegate nominations must follow party decisions.
Interestingly, DK Suresh’s active push for the KMF chairmanship has intensified the intra-party dynamic. Congress insiders admit that the contest has taken a serious political turn, with high command intervention likely to be the deciding factor. Cooperative sector posts like the KMF chairman’s are often viewed as powerful stepping stones akin to cabinet positions, adding weight to this battle.
With the term of the previous chairman Bhima Nayak having ended, and elections delayed due to pending milk union polls across districts, the KMF is currently under an administrator. But with elections now imminent, the stakes are high.
Political observers note that this power struggle reflects a larger Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar undercurrent within the party. While Bhima Nayak seeks continuity, DK Suresh’s entry is being seen as a strategic assertion by the DKS camp. Nanjegowda, meanwhile, is invoking past commitments and party loyalty, further complicating the scenario.
As lobbying intensifies and camps firm up, the KMF chairman race is shaping into a symbolic showdown within the Congress — one that could have implications beyond the cooperative sector and into the larger dynamics of Karnataka’s political chessboard.
