Karnataka Congress Cracks Down on Unruly CM Comments

The Karnataka Congress is taking disciplinary action against two of its leaders for making public statements about a potential change in the state's Chief Minister position. Former MP LR Shivarame Gowda and Tumkur MLA HD Ranganath have been asked to explain their comments suggesting Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as the future Chief Minister.

The party considers these statements as breaches of discipline that potentially cause confusion and embarrassment, violating directives from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) against public discourse on this sensitive issue. The Disciplinary Committee of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has labeled Gowda's remarks as unruly and demanded both leaders to respond within a week.

Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar has advised colleagues to refrain from discussing leadership changes publicly and to focus on maintaining party unity. He reassured that he and current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are working in alignment with the party's high command. Shivakumar emphasized the importance of ignoring BJP's comments on the issue and instructed the issuance of notices to those breaching communication protocols.

(With inputs from agencies.)