Is Congress in Karnataka Facing Leadership Turmoil?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Infighting within Karnataka Congress has been publicly exposed.
- D. K. Shivakumar's camp is seeking a leadership overhaul.
- Minister K. N. Rajanna's remarks have intensified the situation.
- Randeep Singh Surjewala is conducting meetings to address concerns.
- The focus remains on the upcoming 2028 elections.
Bengaluru, July 1 (NationPress) The internal strife within the Karnataka Congress surfaced on Tuesday, coinciding with the arrival of National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. The camp of Deputy Chief Minister and State President D. K. Shivakumar is pushing for a leadership change within the state.
Sources indicate that this push from Shivakumar's faction is a direct response to remarks made by Minister for Cooperation K. N. Rajanna, who hinted at significant shifts in state politics ahead. Rajanna, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressed his willingness to assume the State President position.
This development is particularly notable as AICC General Secretary Surjewala conducts individual meetings with party MLAs for the second consecutive day in Bengaluru.
MLA from Ramanagara, Iqbal Hussain, a close associate of Shivakumar, candidly remarked on the necessity for a leadership change. "I don’t care if the party issues a notice. Let them do what they want. I want a change — a change in leadership. I will express my opinion to Surjewala about replacing the Chief Minister," he stated.
By day's end, Shivakumar issued a notice to MLA Hussain, reproaching him for his public comments on leadership and demanding a clarification within a week.
Support from Shivakumar came from H. C. Balakrishna, MLA from Magadi, who echoed sentiments about Shivakumar's potential as Chief Minister, noting, “Shivakumar has contributed to the party for many years. He played a key role in bringing the Congress to power alongside Siddaramaiah during the Assembly elections.”
Countering this, K. Raghavendra Hitnal, Congress MLA from Koppal, affirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would serve his full term, dismissing any prospects of a leadership shift.
In response to the public demands for a leadership change, Deputy CM Shivakumar cautioned that notices would be issued to those who engage with the media.
“I will strengthen the hands of CM Siddaramaiah,” he assured. He further clarified, “No one needs to be concerned. These meetings are purely organisational. Party office-bearers have been changed across the country. It's not about leadership change in the state.”
“This is about restoring discipline. There is no issue of leadership change. Our focus is on the upcoming 2028 Karnataka state Assembly elections,” Shivakumar stated.
“I will issue a notice to Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain for publicly demanding a leadership change. No one should approach the media. I will convey the same to MLAs Hussain, B. R. Patil, and H. C. Balakrishna,” he reiterated.
“Siddaramaiah is the CM, and we need to fortify both his leadership and the government,” Shivakumar emphasized.