No rift in state Cong, says DKS; Backs Siddaramaiah’s leadership

Bengaluru, July 2: Karnataka deputy chief minister and state Congress president D K Shivakumar on Wednesday, July 2 dismissed speculation about internal dissent within the party, asserting that there is no disgruntlement and that there is no reason for discord as long as Siddaramaiah remains the chief minister.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar made it clear that party discipline would not be compromised and warned that leaders making public remarks about leadership change would face consequences. “I have not asked anyone to project me as the next chief minister,” he said.

His comments came a day after a show-cause notice was issued to Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain for publicly demanding that Shivakumar be made the chief minister.

“I have given notice to him and will do the same with others if needed. Discipline is important. When Siddaramaiah is the chief minister, there is no reason for any leadership debate,” Shivakumar said.

Responding to questions on MLAs backing him for the top post, Shivakumar played it down, stating, “Many have worked hard for the party—lacs of workers. I’m not the only one.”

Meanwhile, Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala continued holding one-on-one meetings with MLAs for the third consecutive day. When asked whether these meetings aimed to calm unrest within the party, Shivakumar insisted there was no dissatisfaction. “Surjewala is focusing on accountability and organisational preparedness for upcoming elections,” he said.

Amid renewed political speculation about a possible leadership change later this year, Shivakumar’s statement appears to reaffirm party unity. Talk of a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been circulating since the Congress formed the government in May 2023. While there were reports of a rotational chief ministership deal, with Shivakumar set to take over midway through the term, the party has never confirmed such an arrangement officially.

The Congress high command had earlier warned against airing internal matters publicly, and Shivakumar’s latest remarks signal an effort to project cohesion as the party gears up for future electoral battles.