India, April 14 -- Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday dismissed his political secretary, Naseer Ahmed, amid allegations that the latter 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.

People aware of the matter said Siddaramaiah ordered the dismissal on the instructions of the Congress's top leadership after indicating Ahmed's exit was imminent.

The dismissal came amid complaints that some Muslim Congress leaders did not support the party's candidate in Davangere South.

Ahme...