Bengaluru, 29 June

Congress General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala will hold separate meetings with party legislators on Monday, amid signs of unrest within the ruling party. The meetings gained significance as several MLAs have recently voiced dissatisfaction over the government’s functioning.

The development comes as speculations over a leadership change in State has resurfaced, following Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s recent remarks hinting at “revolutionary” political developments after September.

There are also talks within party circles of a possible cabinet reshuffle and a change of State Congress President.

Adding to the speculations, Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain on Sunday claimed that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar may get an opportunity to become the Chief Minister within the next two to three months. Hussain is a close aide to Shivakumar.

"Yes, he is coming... There will definitely be meetings. He (Surjewala) has directly informed everyone. I’ve also received the programme and I’m informing all our MLAs," Shivakumar said, confirming Surjewala’s one-on-one meetings with party legislators.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met both Kagwad MLA Raju Patil, who alleged bribery in housing allotment, and Aland MLA BR Kage, who had hinted at resigning because the administration had “completely collapsed”, on Wednesday after returning from New Delhi and reportedly assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

According to reports, the party leadership has asked Siddaramaiah to ensure no one makes public statements against the government.

Yet, Hussain was confident about a change in leadership.

“You all know what our (Congress's) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar’s) strategy and programmes are history now,” Hussain told reporters in Ramanagara.

"I don’t believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity," he added.

When asked if Shivakumar, who is also the State Congress President, would become CM this year, Hussain replied, "Yes, I’m saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months."

When asked about Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah dismissing the rumours as mere speculation, Hussain pointed out that the Congress high command had decided on government formation after the 2023 Assembly polls.

DK Shivakumar’s horoscope is not favourable. He has to seize power by force. He doesn’t have natural luck

R Ashoka, BJP Leader

Has Ashoka started practising astrology? If he has, get me an appointment—I have questions for him too.

DK Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister