Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah insisted on Monday that the Congress government in the southern state will remain “as solid as a rock” for five years amid renewed buzz about a change in leadership. The assertion came even as senior party leader Randeep Surjewala began meeting with legislators amid signs of “disgruntlement” in Karnataka. The BJP has also alleged a worsening of law and order situation due to ‘increased internal bickering’ between the CM and his Deputy for the top post. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge however insisted that changing the Chief Minister was in the hands of the party high command.
“It is in the hands of the party high command. No one can say what is going on in the high command. It is left to the high command, and they have the right to take further action, but no one should create problems unnecessarily….Surjewala has come to the state. He will ask what’s going on and gather information about what has happened. Based on that, we’ll see what needs to be done next,” Kharge said.
The Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka is currently on a three day visit to Karnataka amid growing disquiet within the party ranks. Reports quoting sources indicated that Surjewala was likely to hold mostly one-on-one meetings with legislators — starting with MLAs from the Chikkaballapura and Kolar regions on Monday. He is expected to hear their grievances and collect feedback on the government’s functioning.
The meetings have gained significance as some MLAs have recently expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. They also come at a time when speculation over a leadership change has resurfaced following Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s remarks hinting at “revolutionary” political developments after September. There is also talk within party circles of a possible cabinet reshuffle and a change of state Congress president — a post currently held by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Earlier on Monday, addressing Randeep Surjewala’s visit, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stressed that he has come to strengthen the party organisation.
“He is coming to the state to strengthen the organisation. He will do his job”, Karnataka CM said.
“Our government will last for five years like a rock. We will come together,” CM Siddaramiah said.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that he was unaware of the reason behind Randeep Surjewala’s visit and mentioned that he may discuss the party organisation ahead of the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections. Parameshwara stressed that the intervention in the state party affairs is the “job” of the Congress party high command, and it is normal that they speak to leaders if minor differences arise between leaders.
“I don’t know for what purpose Surjewala has been called. He might speak about party organisation. Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections are coming up, so he might discuss that. Sometimes the high command intervenes — that’s their job. It’s natural for the high command to speak when minor differences arise”, G Parameshwara told reporters.
The Karnataka Home Minister said that he has sought time from Randeep Surjewala and stated that the purpose of his meeting is “personal”.
“I have requested time to meet Surjewala, and he has said he will come. My meeting is a personal matter”, he said.
Randeep Surjewala is visiting Karnataka a day after state minister KN Rajanna’s statement hinting at some possible political development in the state in September this year.