No leadership change in Karnataka: Surjewala, DKS

BENGALURU: Amid rumblings within Karnataka Congress, the party's central leadership Tuesday spiked speculation about a change in leadership and deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated that there was no discussion on leadership. "No one is in a hurry, 2028 is important to us," Shivakumar, also president of Congress's Karnataka unit, said.

AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, in Bengaluru on a firefighting mission, said, "If you (MLAs) want to settle scores, then raise it with the head of the family. In a party, it is the PCC president; in govt, it is the CM. What we deliberate within the party should remain in the party." Shivakumar warned disciplinary action against those making public statements.

DKS: Strengthening CM Sidda & our govt's hands is only priority

Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar said disciplinary action would be taken against those making public statements suggesting a shift in power. "I'll issue a notice to Iqbal Hussain (Ramanagara MLA and an aide of Shivakumar). I don't want anyone to say I'll become CM. Today or tomorrow, I'll issue a notice to him. I also don't want Balakrishna to speak in my favour," he said.

Recent statements by Hussain and Magadi MLA HC Balakrishna have fuelled speculation, with Hussain claiming Shivakumar may become CM in the next two to three months. Shivakumar responded firmly: "No one should go to the press. I'm saying it, no press. I'm saying it, whether it is Iqbal Hussain or BR Patil or Balakrishna or anyone else, there is no need. Siddaramaiah is CM, strengthening his and our govt's hands is the only priority," he added.

There has been long-standing speculation about a rotational chief ministership formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, though Congress has never confirmed it.

Surjewala hinted at internal party changes, though.