Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed his political secretary, Naseer Ahmed, amid allegations that he worked against the ruling Congress in the April 9 by-poll to the Davangere South assembly seat.
The state personnel and administrative reforms department said Ahmed was 'relieved from the post with immediate effect'.
People aware of the matter said Ahmed's refusal to resign prompted the dismissal, which came amid complaints that some Muslim Congress leaders did not support the party's candidate in Davangere South.
Ahmed, state minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan and former lawmaker Abdul Jabbar were believed to have pushed for a Muslim candidate and allegedly distanced themselves from the campaign, backing rival candidates instead.
Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress chief D K Shivakumar is believed to have favoured action against those accused of anti-party conduct.
A group of Congress Muslim workers visited Ahmed's residence on Monday and appealed to him not to step down.
