BENGALURU: For the Congress party, loyalty seems to outweigh merit or social recognition when it comes to appointments in Congress-ruled states. Even without merit, one can still secure a position through unwavering loyalty. But if a person happens to fall under the ‘anti-Congress’ category, the outcome changes drastically, as evident in Karnataka, where a government-appointed doctor saw his name abruptly withdrawn.
The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government in Karnataka has found itself in the middle of a crisis after appointing a well-known medical practitioner, Dr Sridhar of Tiptur, as a trustee of the government’s Yashaswini Trust, a welfare initiative overseeing healthcare services for cooperative sector workers. The decision triggered widespread outrage within the Congress party, compelling the government to revoke the appointment order within short period, simply because Dr Sridhar was seen participating in an RSS event.
The controversy erupted after it was revealed that Dr Sridhar had actively participated in a recent RSS Shatabdi procession, donning the ganvesh (Sangh uniform) and driving an ambulance during the event. Photographs and videos of the doctor from the procession quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from Congress leaders and grassroots workers alike.
Despite the state government’s recent action suspending government and contract employees who had participated in the same RSS event, the appointment of a known RSS sympathiser to a government trust has been seen as a contradiction to the Congress party’s proclaimed secular and anti-communal stance.
The first signs of rebellion came from within the ranks of the Congress. KPCC General Secretary C.B. Shashidhar strongly objected to the appointment and immediately wrote a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging the government to rescind the order. In his letter, Shashidhar stated,
“On October 12, the RSS held a large procession in Tiptur where Dr. Sridhar, of Kumar Hospital, participated in full costume and played an active role. Yet, on the recommendation of Congress MLA K. Shadakshari, he was appointed as trustee of the Yashaswini Trust. This goes against the values and policy of our party.”
Following the backlash, the Health and Family Welfare Department issued a revised notification late Sunday, dropping Dr Sridhar’s name from the list of trustees. The updated circular cited ‘administrative reasons’ for the modification, but sources confirmed that the move was a direct response to pressure from within the Congress.
Caught in the political crossfire, Tiptur MLA K. Shadakshari, who had recommended Dr Sridhar’s name, issued a public apology to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In his statement, the legislator said,
“If my recommendation has caused any embarrassment to the Chief Minister or the government, I sincerely apologize. I was unaware of Dr. Sridhar’s association with the RSS. He has served the people selflessly by providing free surgeries and medicines through his hospital. His supporters had requested recognition for his service. There was no political intention behind my recommendation.”
However, Congress insiders claim that the damage has already been done. The appointment and subsequent withdrawal have once again exposed factional rifts within the ruling party. While some senior leaders believe that capable professionals should not be judged solely by their ideological affiliations, others argue that the Congress government must maintain a clear distinction between welfare governance and ideological infiltration.
The timing of the controversy is particularly sensitive. The Congress government is already facing criticism over its handling of state employees who were seen participating in the RSS centenary processions across Karnataka. Many of them have been suspended or issued show-cause notices by the administration for violating service conduct rules.
Political observers see this episode as an embarrassing contradiction for the Siddaramaiah government, which has built its image on opposing right-wing influence. The swift withdrawal of Dr Sridhar’s appointment appears to be a damage control move to reassure the party’s secular base and prevent further internal unrest.
