Answer Is Clearly 'No': Surjewala Rules Out Karnataka Leadership Change; Shivakumar Says 'Don't Want Any Support'
AICC General Secretary and party's Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday ruled out that there is no exercise underway on leadership change in the state. His remarks came amid buzz over a possible leadership change in Karnataka and internal bickering in the party's state unit over the matter.
"I am thankful to you for the concern for the Congress party. We also consider journalists as part of our family. As far as your query is concerned for the change of leadership..The answer is 'no'. Thank you very much," Surjewala said in a press conference in Bengaluru today even as several Congress leaders and DK Shivakumar’s supporters demanded that he be made Chief Minister.
Surjewala said that he has been meeting party MLAs and MPs to understand the work done by them in their respective constituencies.
Flanked by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Surjewala said: "We are meeting the MLAs and MPs. We are trying yo understand what work they have done in their constituencies. It's important to review their performance."
He also reacted to charges made by some Congress MLAs who alleged no development work was happening in their segments, clarifying that sufficient funds were available with the government for development in Karnataka. "This is a bogey raised by BJP in Karnataka. They want the guarantees to be shut down," the Congress leader alleged.
"I reiterate that the BJP leaders from R Ashoka to Vijayendra want to stop the five guarantees. They want Rs 58,000 crore not to go to the pockets of Kannadigas in a transparent manner," he claimed.
Congress MLA Claims 100 Legislators In Favour Of Shivakumar
Earlier today, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed that around 100 MLAs are in favour of Shivakumar assuming the role of Karnataka's Chief Minister. He also argued that the Deputy CM deserves the opportunity due to the efforts undertaken by him in strengthening the party and leading multiple agitations.
“It’s not just about change. Most of the MLAs want effective administration,” Hussain said.
Putting these speculations to rest, Surjewala stated that if anyone has concerns, they should be addressed within the party and the government.
'We Are United,' Says Shivakumar
Meanwhile, Deputy CM Shivakumar reiterated that the party is united and that were no groups within it. "My duty is to give more strength to the discipline of the party. We have to concentrate on the local body elections and the 2028 assembly elections," he said.
On remarks by party MLAs, Shivakumar said that the Congress high command will take action against them. He also asked those speaking openly in his favour to not do so.
"I don't want any MLAs to speak, the party high command will definitely take action against those who are speaking a lot. I don't want anyone to support or shout at me, we will discuss and sort out the problems," he added.
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