‘No press, no speculations': Congress douses CM buzz in Karnataka; DK Shivakumar warns aides of disciplinary action
Karnataka Congress
, the party's central leadership Tuesday spiked speculation about a change in leadership and deputy CM
DK Shivakumar
categorically stated that there's no discussion on leadership.
"No one is in a hurry, 2028 is important to us," Shivakumar, also president of Karnataka unit, said.
All India Congress Committee general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, in Bengaluru on a firefighting mission, said, "There is no question of leadership change. If you (MLAs) want to settle scores, then raise it with the head of the family. In a party, it is the PCC president; in govt, it is CM. What we deliberate within the party should remain in the party," he added.
Hours later, Shivakumar said disciplinary action would be taken against those making public statements suggesting a shift in power. "I'll issue a notice to Iqbal Hussain (Ramanagara MLA and an aide of Shivakumar). I don't want anyone to say I'll become CM. Today or tomorrow, I'll issue a notice to him. I also don't want Balakrishna to speak in my favour," he said.
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Rejig of district Congress units to boost guarantee schemes
Statements by Hussain and Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna have fuelled speculation, with Hussain claiming Shivakumar may become CM in the next 2-3 months. Shivakumar responded firmly: "No one should go to the press. I'm saying it, no press. I'm saying it, whether it is Iqbal Hussain or BR Patil or Balakrishna or anyone else, there is no need.
Siddaramaiah
is the CM, strengthening his and our govt's hands is the only priority.".
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There has been long-standing speculation about a rotational chief ministership formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, though the party has never confirmed it. The leadership tussle had been set aside after the May 2023 election results.
Surjewala hinted at internal party changes, though. "We'll definitely look at changing district Congress committee office-bearers if they are not cooperating with govt in taking guarantee and welfare schemes to the people."
Later in the day, senior Congress MLA Raju Kage, who recently threatened to resign over being sidelined, met Surjewala and flagged administrative lapses in the state govt and fund allocation. "I've informed Surjewala about the issues. He has assured me a solution will be worked out," Kage told reporters after the meeting. Kage, who represents Kagwad, had earlier accused the govt of sabotage and corruption, warning that he would quit within 48 hours.
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