Congress Crisis Deepens in Karnataka. MLA Iqbal Hussain claims 100 MLAs want DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister. Surjewala dismisses talks of leadership change.
Karnataka Politics: Tensions have escalated within the Karnataka Congress regarding a leadership change. MLA Iqbal Hussain, a close associate of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has claimed that nearly 100 MLAs are in favor of replacing the Chief Minister. He stated that if the leadership isn't changed, the Congress party could lose power in the 2028 Assembly elections. The high command and state leadership are abuzz with activity. Randeep Surjewala is in Karnataka, meeting with MLAs.
Demand for Leadership Change Surfaces Publicly
The silent dispute within the Karnataka Congress is now becoming public. MLA Iqbal Hussain, considered close to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has directly stated that there should be a change in the Chief Minister's position. He claimed that more than 100 MLAs support this change. He believes that DK Shivakumar has worked hard for the party and deserves the opportunity to lead.
'Not just my voice, it's the voice of 100 MLAs'
Speaking to the media, Iqbal Hussain said, "This is not just my opinion. More than 100 MLAs want a change. They are waiting for this moment. They are expecting good governance and believe that DK Shivakumar should be given the command." He also mentioned that he would raise this issue during his meeting with Randeep Surjewala.
2028 Elections at Risk
Hussain warned that if the leadership isn't changed, the party could face difficulties in the 2028 Assembly elections. He believes that it's necessary to make this decision in the party's interest now. He stated, "If we don't change now, we won't be in power in 2028."
High Command's Decision is Paramount
When asked about the party high command's previous clarification that they will decide on the Chief Minister's post, he responded, "We follow the discipline of the Congress, but we must also speak the truth. If something is wrong or needs improvement, it is our duty to bring it forward."
Randeep Surjewala's Visit to Karnataka
Senior Congress leader and General Secretary in charge of Karnataka affairs, Randeep Singh Surjewala, is currently on a visit to the state. Although he has described his visit as organizational, the political situation has intensified due to the MLAs raising the demand for leadership change in front of him.
'Talks of Leadership Change are Baseless'
Surjewala, in his media interactions, has termed the speculations about a leadership change as "baseless." He stated that his visit is to strengthen the party, review development works, and get field reports from the MLAs. Despite this, the internal movements within the party cannot be ignored.
Face-to-Face Conversations with MLAs
Surjewala's visit spans three days, during which he is meeting approximately 80 MLAs from different districts individually. On the first day, he interacted with MLAs from Bengaluru city, Bengaluru Rural, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Kolar, and Dakshina Kannada districts. According to sources, several MLAs raised concerns regarding the state government's functioning and leadership in these meetings.
DK Shivakumar has been among the best leaders of the Karnataka Congress for the past few years. His role in strengthening the party's state unit has been significant. His contribution to the party's victory in the 2023 Assembly elections is also considered substantial. He has been continuously active in organizational matters within the Congress and has a b hold among the party workers.
