Karnataka Politics: No Leadership Change, Focus on Unity and Elections

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday sought to quash rumors about a potential leadership shakeup in the state, including the removal of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He emphasized that his main focus is to ensure party members secure victories in the upcoming Assembly elections. 'There is no change of leadership. My priority is for the party legislators to reclaim the assembly,' Shivakumar told ANI.

Shivakumar underscored that the meeting between Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala with party MLAs was unrelated to any leadership change discussions. Reaffirming the unity within Congress, he stated the party's focus would be on the forthcoming local body and 2028 assembly elections. 'We are united,' he emphasized, urging members to maintain the party's discipline.

He also issued a warning to Congress MLAs advocating for leadership change, indicating that action would be taken against those speaking out of turn. Meanwhile, addressing the issue of the railway fare hike, Shivakumar questioned Karnataka BJP leaders' silence on the matter and highlighted the central government's continued price hikes affecting the common man. Both Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge reiterated the absence of discussions regarding a change in the state's Chief Minister.

(With inputs from agencies.)