Tensions Simmer in Karnataka Congress as MLA Gets Notice Over CM Remarks.
In a fresh sign of internal turbulence within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has issued a show-cause notice to party MLA Iqbal Hussain, after the latter publicly pushed for a change in leadership and backed Shivakumar to take over as Chief Minister.
Iqbal Hussain, MLA from Ramanagara, claimed that over 100 out of the 138 Congress MLAs in the state supported Shivakumar for the top job. He warned the party high command that without a change in leadership, the Congress might struggle to retain power in the next assembly elections.
The public remarks did not go down well with party leadership. Shivakumar himself issued the notice to Hussain, stating that his comments had caused “confusion and embarrassment” and amounted to a breach of party discipline. The notice directed Hussain to submit an explanation within a week.
“Your statements have not only embarrassed the party but also violated internal discipline,” the notice read. Shivakumar added that any party member speaking to the media about leadership matters would face similar disciplinary action.
Despite the growing noise around an internal rift, both Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have maintained that there is no division within the leadership. In a show of unity, the two leaders appeared together in Mysuru, with Siddaramaiah declaring that the Congress government would complete its five-year term “as solid as a rock.” Holding hands with Shivakumar, he added, “We are on good terms,” brushing off any speculation of tension.
The Congress high command has responded to the rising discontent by sending Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to hold meetings with party MLAs. The exercise, which continued for a second day in Bengaluru, was described as a routine organisational review.
“There’s no need for speculation. These meetings are part of regular restructuring efforts,” Shivakumar said, adding that he has instructed MLAs to stop lobbying for him and instead focus on strengthening the party ahead of the 2028 elections.
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