GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 1st July: As senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala meets party MLAs in Bengaluru to contain growing unrest, a Congress legislator close to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has claimed that over 100 MLAs are demanding a change in leadership, warning that the party could lose the 2028 elections if action is not taken now.
Amid mounting speculation over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s future, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain said the majority of MLAs want Shivakumar to be made Chief Minister, citing his instrumental role in the party’s 2023 election victory. “It’s not just me. Over 100 MLAs are in favour of a change. They want good governance and believe DK Shivakumar deserves an opportunity,” Hussain told NDTV.
“Party May Not Retain Power in 2028”
Hussain added that he would raise the issue directly with Surjewala during their meeting, asserting, “If the change doesn’t happen now, Congress cannot retain power in 2028. This is needed in the party’s interest right now.”
The remarks come ahead of Surjewala’s crucial interaction with Karnataka MLAs, a visit the Congress high command insists is aimed at organisational introspection and ensuring developmental momentum in the state.
Surjewala, Siddaramaiah Dismiss Buzz
Surjewala dismissed any talks of a leadership change as a “figment of imagination.” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also rubbished reports of internal discord, declaring in Mysuru that his government would last “as solid as a rock” for the full five-year term. “This government will be as solid as a ‘bande’ (rock),” he told reporters while holding Shivakumar’s hand to display unity. “We are on good terms,” he added.
Shivakumar’s Role in 2023 Victory
The latest unrest stems from the post-2023 election scenario, where Shivakumar was seen as a key architect of the Congress’s landslide win in Karnataka. Though he was considered a strong contender for the CM post, the high command eventually appointed Siddaramaiah, convincing Shivakumar to settle for the Deputy Chief Minister role along with the state party chief position.
While rumours of a rotational chief ministership deal have circulated, the party has never confirmed such an arrangement.
“We Respect High Command, But Must Speak Facts”
MLA Iqbal Hussain stressed the party’s internal discipline but said the ground reality must be conveyed to the top leadership. “We always respect the high command, but we should tell the facts,” he said, reiterating growing support for Shivakumar.
With tensions simmering and factions increasingly vocal, the coming days will be crucial in determining how the Congress balances internal dynamics without compromising its governance image ahead of the 2028 polls.
