Breaking his silence on the ongoing leadership debate, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president D.K. Shivakumar on Friday stressed the critical importance of party discipline. He announced that he would personally address the matter with the relevant leaders following comments made by Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah regarding a change in leadership.
When questioned by reporters about calls from some MLAs for a disciplinary notice against Dr. Yathindra, Mr. Shivakumar unequivocally stated, “Party discipline is the priority.” He also indicated he would confer with “people concerned” regarding Dr. Yathindra’s controversial statement suggesting that Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi might eventually assume leadership as his father’s political career approaches its conclusion.
In an attempt to de-escalate tensions, Mr. Jarkiholi later clarified that Dr. Yathindra’s remarks pertained solely to an “ideological successor” to the Chief Minister, not a political one.
Meanwhile, sources within the Congress party confirmed that the high command has been actively gathering information from the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) regarding Dr. Yathindra’s public statements on leadership over the past several months.
Loyalists Demand Action
In a move to counterbalance the Chief Minister’s faction, several MLAs loyal to Mr. Shivakumar have formally requested disciplinary action against Dr. Yathindra. Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, Chennagiri MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj, and Sagar MLA Beluru Gopalakrishna have all urged the party’s high command to intervene and caution Dr. Yathindra, whose remarks are perceived to have caused significant embarrassment to the party.
Mr. Shivaganga Basavaraj highlighted the double standard, stating, “I have previously received a notice for my comments concerning the Chief Minister’s position. Therefore, the party must treat the statements made by Dr. Yathindra, who is also the Chief Minister’s son, with equal gravity. Appropriate action should be taken against him.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Gopalakrishna asserted that the high command must step in and issue a notice to the MLC for his “unnecessary remarks,” which he believes have damaged the party’s reputation.
Prioritizing Public Welfare
Kunigal MLA H.D. Ranganath called for a shift in focus, urging legislators to avoid controversial statements about leadership and instead concentrate on ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the underprivileged.
Adding to the political speculation, Rajendra Rajanna, son of former minister K.N. Rajanna, predicted significant shifts in state politics following the upcoming elections in Bihar. He also underscored the importance of securing support from party MLAs to become Chief Minister, suggesting that the high command’s preference alone might not be sufficient.