Congress Sends Surjewala To Karnataka Amid Renewed Murmurs Of Leadership Tussle Between Siddaramaiah And D K Shivakumar

With Congress MLAs expressing dissatisfaction, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala began a three-day visit to Bengaluru to meet them. Surjewala is expected to gauge MLAs' sentiments and report to the party high command amid leadership change speculations.

According to a report by The New Indian Express, the meetings may help the party leadership decide on a potential cabinet reshuffle or leadership change, party sources said. Surjewala plans to meet about 40 MLAs daily, allotting 20 minutes per meeting, and covering all 137 legislators in three days.

MLAs are expected to flag lack of development funds and coordination, and Surjewala will review implementation of key guarantees. He may also meet party functionaries who want to share feedback on the government and internal matters.

Surjewala began by meeting senior leader B R Patil, who recently accused the housing department of corruption. MLA Raju Kage supported Patil’s claims and raised work order delays. Siddaramaiah held separate talks with all parties involved.

Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna hinted at political shifts after September, possibly signalling a leadership transition in October. MLC Dr Yathindra, Siddaramaiah’s son, said the high command had not directed any change and that his father will continue as CM.

MLA Iqbal Hussain said there was a high command agreement for leadership change after two and a half years, favouring D K Shivakumar as CM. A senior MLA from Old Mysuru said they would raise funding issues with Surjewala but expressed support for Siddaramaiah to remain CM.