In a significant development, some ministers in the Karnataka Congress have expressed extreme displeasure against state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala and are considering filing a complaint with Congress president Rahul Gandhi. According to sources, the ministers have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to inform the party’s high command to recall Surjewala as state in-charge and apply pressure on him.
Surjewala’s Partisan Approach and Treatment of Ministers
The dissatisfaction among the ministers is reportedly due to Surjewala’s treatment of different factions within the party. Some ministers have expressed that Surjewala should have treated the two factions as equals and held a meeting of top leaders to address their problems. Instead, Surjewala has been accused of following a partisan approach and held separate meetings with DCM D K Shiva Kumar, which has led to discontent among the ministers.
Swabhimaan Conference and Dinner Incident
The ministers’ anger against Surjewala has been simmering for some time and has now boiled over. Some of the reasons cited by the ministers include the change in the name of the Swabhimaan conference held in Hassan, the interruption of the Dalit ministers’ dinner, and the separate meeting with Deputy Chief Ministers (DCMs) DK Shivakumar and DK Suresh in Belagavi.
Surjewala Embarrassed by Congress Workers’ Ruckus in Belagavi
The internal conflict and heat of the Congress party had also affected Surjewala in Belagavi. During a meeting he held in the city on Friday for the Gandhi Bharat program, supporters of Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Congress workers created a ruckus. Congress workers and leaders had told Surjewala that the protesters had come for him, which embarrassed him.
CM Siddaramaiah’s Close Minister Criticizes Surjewala’s Treatment
Siddaramaiah’s close minister has expressed dissatisfaction with Surjewala’s treatment of the ministers. The minister has said that those in charge should have seen the two factions as equals and not followed a partisan approach. This criticism has further escalated the tension within the party, with some ministers reportedly considering filing a complaint against Surjewala with Rahul Gandhi. The pressure on Surjewala to step down as state in-charge has grown significantly recently. With the Karnataka Congress facing internal conflict and dissent, the party’s high command will have to decide soon on Surjewala’s future as state in-charge.
Internal Discord Rages Within Congress as Fractures Widen Among Leaders
Meanwhile, the ongoing internal strife within the Congress party continues to escalate, revealing deepening rifts among its leadership. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has spent the last two days in Belagavi. Still, Minister Satish Jarkiholi has notably avoided any interaction with him, opting to remain occupied with various inaugurations. This apparent snub has sparked speculation within party circles, prompting discussions on whether Jarkiholi intentionally demonstrates his displeasure by maintaining his distance from Shivakumar.
Adding to the intrigue, it has come to light that a faction closely associated with Jarkiholi is organizing a trip to Dubai, planning to fly abroad for four to five days. This development has raised eyebrows and prompted concern from Shivakumar, who visited the residence of Jarkiholi’s confidant, Asif Seth, on January 19. During this visit, Shivakumar inquired about the trip’s details, to which Seth assured him, “We have made a plan. I will not go without telling you.” In a bid to assert his authority, Shivakumar reminded the group of the need for discipline within the party.
In contrast to earlier months, when Congress leaders voiced their opinions openly on various issues, recent public statements have significantly dwindled. This shift in behaviour seems to coincide with directions from AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, compelling leaders to adopt a more reserved approach to public commentary. Even G. Parameshwara, the Home Minister, has shown reluctance to engage in political discussions, further highlighting the atmosphere of caution surrounding the party.
In the face of this internal turmoil, calls for a change in the Chief Minister’s position have also quieted down. Key ministers have clearly stated that there will be no shift in the CM role. At the same time, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, has emphatically asserted that his father will remain in power, declaring, “Let those who dream see it.”
BJP leaders have criticized Congress for its dysfunctionality, arguing that the party’s internal disputes adversely impact the administration and governance.
During these events, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar made a notable religious gesture by offering special prayers at the Kapileshwar temple in Belagavi. DCongressis visit, the priests and the temple management presented him with a trident, a gesture that drew attention as it accompanied Shivakumar’s wish to ascend to the position of Chief Minister. This offering has sparked curiosity and speculation about Shivakumar’s future aspirations within the party and government.
Shiva Kumar’s Clarification
In a strong reaction to reports of discontent among some ministers in the Karnataka Congress, leader DK Shivakumar has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the media for spreading what he claims are lies and misconceptions. During a visit to Belagavi to attend the Gandhi Bharat conference, Shivakumar aimed at the media and stated that some of the reports tarnished his reputation.
The controversy began after it was reported that Shivakumar had visited the residence of Satish Jarkiholi, a close friend and that the party’s high command was trying to convince Jarkiholi’s friends to return to the party fold. However, Shivakumar denied these reports, saying that he had visited the residence of senior party leader Asif Seth and that the visit was for “organisational reasons only”.
Addressing the media in Belagavi, Shivakumar clarified, “I visited the residence of senior party leaders yesterday. You (the media) are saying that there was a fight and he went there. We have worked with senior Feroz Seth. I went to his residence for organizational reasons. There is no truth in the reports that a dispute had taken place.”
Gandhi Bharat Conference
In a different vein, Shivakumar spoke about the upcoming Gandhi Bharat conference, saying he had been in touch with leaders from Delhi and across the country to make arrangements for the event. He estimated that around 60 people from different places would attend the meeting tomorrow in Belagavi. Shivakumar also claimed that all the MLAs and MLCs were likely to attend the conference and that Priyanka Gandhi was expected to visit Belagavi for the event.
Shivakumar said that the conference’s main objective to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was to promote and protect the Constitution’s values. He also emphasized the importance of the “Jai Bhim, Jai Gandhi, Jai Constitution” movement.
Delhi Election In-charge Issue
In response to a question about the Delhi election in-charge to the chief minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar said that he had left the decision to the party high command and the main reason for this was that the Chief Minister was preparing the budget and needed to hold meetings with all the departments. Shivakumar claimed that he had even gone to Delhi and announced Rs 2500 for monthly financial help to a person (Pyaari Didi) if Congress came to power.
Overall, the statements made by DK Shivakumar have added to the controversy surrounding the Karnataka Congress and the reported unhappiness among some of the party’s ministers. However, Shivakumar has maintained that the party will work to address the issues and promote the vaCongressthe Constitution at the Gandhi Bharat conference.
