The Congress on Monday told its legislators in Karnataka not to make public statements that “embarrass” the party or else it would take strict action against those who spoke against the party’s interests. The party’s stern directive came amid speculation about a possible change of guard in the state after March.
The development came against the backdrop of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent dinner with select Dalit and ST Cabinet colleagues at state minister Satish Jarkiholi’s residence that created a buzz about the possible change of guard in Karnataka after the state budget.
During a Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting held in Bengaluru, the party’s general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala advised party leaders not to discuss internal party matters with the media. He emphasised that such discussions should be confined to party platforms.
Stressing on party discipline, Surjewala said, “It is because of the party that we are here and nobody is above the party.” He urged members to resolve issues privately within the party framework and avoid making public comments.
Surjewala’s message to Karnataka Congress legislators came in the wake of several of them, including ministers, openly speaking to the media on the leadership change issue, with some indicating its possibility, while few others rejecting it.
During the meeting, Surjewala stressed the importance of resolving disputes within the party framework and instructed leaders to address disagreements behind closed doors rather than airing them publicly.
Siddaramaiah backed Surjewala, reiterating that all decisions should align with the high command’s guidance.
The Chief Minister assured the legislators in the meeting that he would issue orders for the “immediate release” of Rs 10 crore to each MLA for constituency development. He has also told them that more grants will be given in the upcoming budget.
DK SHIVAKUMAR SAYS WILL WORK IN LINE WITH PARTY DIRECTIVES
On January 11, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserted that he was not seeking anyone’s support and would work in line with the Congress leadership’s directives.
Shivakumar, who is also the president of the state Congress unit, said that he doesn’t want to force anyone to take his name for the top post.
“I don’t want to force anyone, nor do I need anyone’s support. I don’t want any MLA to shout out his support for me. It is between the Congress party and me. I will do whatever the party wants me to do. I am just doing my duty,” he said.
Siddaramaiah also dismissed speculation about a leadership change, calling it “speculative journalism”. He urged the media to verify facts, avoid sensationalism and focus on societal welfare in their reporting.
CONGRESS LEADERSHIP TUSSLE IN BELAGAVI
Meanwhile, there is a leadership tussle in Belagavi between party leaders Jarkiholi and Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Jarkiholi claimed that he invested Rs 3 crore to construct three Karnataka Congress offices from scratch. However, Hebbalkar countered, highlighting her efforts in clearing Rs 27 crore in dues.
Hebbalkar further pointed out that the office lacked basic amenities like water and electricity until her intervention, underscoring her contribution to resolving long-pending issues.
(with inputs from PTI)
