Rift Rumblings in Karnataka Congress as DK Shivakumar Issues Notice to MLA Over CM Remarks.
Signs of unease have resurfaced within the Karnataka Congress, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar issuing a show-cause notice to party MLA Iqbal Hussain for publicly endorsing him as the next Chief Minister.
Hussain, who represents the Ramanagara constituency, stirred controversy by claiming that more than 100 of the party’s 138 MLAs supported Shivakumar’s elevation. He also warned the party high command that failing to replace current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could jeopardize Congress’s prospects in the 2028 Assembly elections.
Reacting swiftly, Shivakumar issued the notice, accusing Hussain of breaching party discipline and creating “confusion and embarrassment.” The MLA has been asked to explain his comments within a week. The notice emphasized that such remarks violate internal party protocols and warned of similar action against others who defy the directive.
Amid growing speculation about a power tussle, both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah put up a united front during a public appearance in Mysuru. “There is no rift. Our government will complete its five-year term like a rock,” Siddaramaiah said while holding hands with Shivakumar in a symbolic show of solidarity.
In a damage-control exercise, the Congress high command dispatched party general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to meet with MLAs. The meetings, now in their second day in Bengaluru, are officially being described as part of a routine organisational review.
Shivakumar, meanwhile, has urged party legislators to refrain from lobbying for leadership changes and instead concentrate on strengthening the party for the 2028 polls. “There’s no room for speculation. We’re focused on performance and unity,” he said.
Comments are closed.