Is There a Need for Leadership Change in Karnataka Congress?

Bengaluru, July 1 (NationPress) The ongoing infighting within the Karnataka Congress became public on Tuesday, coinciding with the visit of National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. The camp of Deputy Chief Minister and State President D. K. Shivakumar has called for a leadership change in the state.

Sources indicate that the Deputy CM's camp is responding to remarks made by Minister for Cooperation K. N. Rajanna, who hinted at significant changes in state politics in the near future and expressed his willingness to take on the role of State President.

Minister Rajanna is closely associated with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

This situation has gained importance as AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala has been conducting individual meetings with party MLAs for the second consecutive day in Bengaluru.

MLA Iqbal Hussain from Ramanagara, who is an ally of Deputy CM Shivakumar, publicly declared the necessity for a change in state leadership. "I don’t care if the party issues a notice. Let them do what they want. I want a change in leadership. I will express my opinion to Surjewala about replacing the Chief Minister," he stated.

By the end of the day, Shivakumar issued a notice to MLA Iqbal Hussain, criticizing him for making a public statement regarding the leadership change and requesting clarification within a week.

H. C. Balakrishna, an MLA from Magadi and supporter of Shivakumar, voiced similar sentiments, suggesting that Shivakumar is poised to become the Chief Minister. “Shivakumar has been a vital asset to the party for years. He played a crucial role in the Congress’s success alongside Siddaramaiah during the Assembly elections,” he emphasized.

“He deserves the opportunity as well,” Balakrishna added.

In contrast, K. Raghavendra Hitnal, Congress MLA from Koppal, affirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will remain in his position for the entire term, dismissing any discussions of a leadership transition.

In response to the public declarations from Congress MLAs advocating for a leadership change, Deputy CM Shivakumar warned on Tuesday that notices would be served to anyone who speaks to the media.

“I will support CM Siddaramaiah,” he asserted.

“There is no need for concern. These meetings are strictly organizational. Party office-bearers have been changed nationwide. This is not about leadership change in the state,” Shivakumar clarified.

"This is about restoring discipline. Apart from that, there is no issue regarding a leadership change. This has not been discussed at all. None of us is worried. 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 calling for a leadership change. No one should approach the media. I will communicate the same to MLAs Iqbal Hussain, B. R. Patil, and H. C. Balakrishna,” he said.

“Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister, and we need to bolster both his leadership and the government,” Shivakumar emphasized.