BJP behind leadership change rumours in K’taka, says Cong

Senior Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala said the leadership had already examined internal concerns, and stressed that the narrative of instability was being crafted from outside, not within.

In a detailed post on X, Surjewala said he had spoken with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, both of whom agreed that “a decisively defeated and faction-ridden Karnataka BJP and a section of the media were running a maligning campaign against the Congress government in Karnataka.”

He said the motive behind the campaign was self-evident. “The sole idea is to undermine the stellar achievements and five Congress Government Guarantees, which have become an outstanding model of inclusive development and distributive justice,” he said.

Surjewala also cautioned party members against allowing such narratives to gain traction through avoidable remarks. “The needless statements of some Congress leaders and MLAs have also added to the speculation. The INC has sternly warned them from making any public statements on the issue of leadership or falling for the agenda being propagated by the vested interests,” he said.

He said that the high command had taken note of all organisational feedback and was closely following developments within the state unit.

The remarks come at a time of heightened political activity in Karnataka, where the BJP has repeatedly questioned the government’s fiscal management and the implementation of the party’s five flagship guarantees. Congress leaders maintain that the governance model remains intact and the Opposition is attempting to create a “false sense of crisis” ahead of key policy announcements.

Responding to questions regarding MLAs meeting senior leaders in Delhi, Deputy CM Shivakumar said the outreach was neither surprising nor alarming.

He said several legislators wished to be considered during the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle and that their attempts to meet central leaders were simply part of routine political engagement. He said it was natural for elected representatives to seek visibility and express their aspirations, adding that nothing about these interactions suggested coordinated dissent.

He reiterated that Siddaramaiah intends to serve the full five-year term, adding that he wished him well in that responsibility. He also underlined that both he and the Chief Minister remain aligned with the high command’s decisions, which would guide any changes in the Cabinet.

Siddaramaiah, speaking separately, emphasised that decisions on Cabinet re-organisation rest solely with the Congress high command.

He stressed that all leaders are expected to abide by the central leadership’s direction and confirmed that he would present the next Budget himself, signalling continuity in his role.

Shivakumar, who recently hinted at stepping aside as the KPCC president, assured party workers that he remained a part of the senior leadership and would continue to guide organisational matters as required.