The discord in the Karnataka Congress has now reached its peak. The news of the rift between two veteran leaders of the party, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar is no longer coming through the media, but the party leaders have also started openly statements.
Party MLA Iqbal Ahmed has said that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar has worked hard to strengthen the party and the organization. He currently has the support of more than 100 MLAs.
Iqbal Ahmed further said that he will raise the issue in front of Randeep Surjewala. Surjewala is the General Secretary of the All India Congress Committee and is also in charge of the party in Karnataka. Iqbal said that he would discuss with Surjewala about the change in the post of Chief Minister and will also tell him that if this does not happen, the party may have to face a crushing defeat in the 2028 assembly elections. He said that the issue of leadership change is in the interest of the party.
Talking to NDTV, the Congress MLA said, “Not only me, but more than 100 Congress MLAs are in favor of DK Shivkumar. He needs ‘good governance’ and the Deputy Chief Minister does a chance.”
He said, “DK Shivkumar has worked tirelessly for the party and has played an important role in strengthening the organization. Since his KPCC President, everyone has seen a change in the party’s fate. More and more people are supporting him because of his efforts and is ready to stand in his favor.”
Significantly, in the midst of this entire uproar, Surjewala was sent to Bangalore by the Congress high command. Discussions have started once again about possible changes in leadership and internal restlessness within the ruling party. In this connection, he also held meetings one by one with the Congress MLAs of the state on Monday.