Ramanagara Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain has publicly called for DK Shivakumar to be appointed as chief minister, raising fresh questions about leadership within Karnataka’s ruling party.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hussain said he plans to urge All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala to consider a leadership transition. According to him, more than 100 of the party’s 137 MLAs support Shivakumar for the top post.
“If things don’t change, Congress can’t expect to win in 2028 or hold on to power,” Hussain said. He praised Shivakumar’s efforts—especially the Mekedatu padayatra—as a driving force behind the 2023 win.
Surjewala Denies Leadership Review Motive
Amid rumors of a reshuffle, Surjewala is meeting individually with Congress MLAs in Bengaluru. He insists the talks have nothing to do with leadership changes.
“Some of you asked me are you taking opinion on leadership change. The answer I had given yesterday also and I am answering again today – the answer is clearly ‘no’ in one word,” Surjewala said during a press briefing.
Standing beside Shivakumar, he explained the purpose of the meetings: a routine review of MLAs, MPs, and recent candidates. The focus, he said, is on performance in constituencies and tracking the implementation of flagship programs.
Party Focuses on Guarantees, Advises Internal Discipline
Surjewala emphasized the importance of reviewing the party’s guarantee schemes, such as free bus travel for women. MLAs have been asked to submit “report cards” showing how these initiatives are progressing in their areas.
He also advised party members to keep internal matters within the organization. “If they have a problem, instead of raising an issue or a non-issue to settle score, raise it with the head of the family – in the PCC, there is Shivakumar and in the government there is Siddaramaiah,” he said.
Discontent Over Development Work and Housing Allegations
Some legislators have expressed concern that development work is lagging in their constituencies. Surjewala dismissed these claims, calling them political tactics from the opposition.
“This is a bogey raised by BJP in Karnataka. They want the guarantees to be shut down,” he said. “They want ₹58,000 crore not to go to the pockets of Kannadigas in a transparent manner.”
The BJP has yet to respond to these comments.
Meanwhile, Surjewala declined to comment on allegations surrounding housing schemes in Kalaburagi and other districts. Congress MLAs have raised concerns over the distribution of homes meant for economically weaker sections under housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan.
As talk of leadership change continues behind closed doors, the party is walking a tightrope between maintaining discipline and managing rising internal demands.
