Rumbles in Karnataka ranks, Congress deploys crisis manager Randeep Surjewala

Amid growing signs of unrest within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, the party's general secretary in charge of the state, Randeep Singh Surjewala, is heading to Bengaluru to hold one-on-one meetings with legislators.

Sources said Surjewala will hold private interactions with around 100 MLAs from 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Congress office to understand their grievances concerning the party and the government, in an effort widely seen as a damage-control exercise. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed Surjewala’s visit.

The meetings come at a time when several Congress MLAs have publicly expressed dissatisfaction over delays in development works and fund allocations, and growing speculation about a leadership change in the state.

HA Iqbal Hussain, an MLA and Shivakumar ally, claimed the Karnataka Congress president may get a chance to become the chief minister within the next “two to three months.” His remarks followed recent statements by Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna, who hinted at "revolutionary" political developments after September.

Adding to the tension, Aland MLA BR Patil recently alleged corruption in public housing allotments, while Kagwad MLA Raju Kage suggested he may resign due to what he described as a “complete collapse” of the administration and delays in fund release.

The remarks have left the ruling party red-faced and provided ammunition to the opposition BJP and JD(S), who have accused the government of “rampant corruption” and demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Housing Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan.

In fire-fighting mode, Siddaramaiah met both Patil and Kage earlier this week and reportedly assured them that their concerns would be addressed. According to a PTI report, the high command has directed Siddaramaiah to resolve internal differences and gag party leaders from leveling further allegations against their own government.

Talks are also underway within the Congress about a potential cabinet reshuffle and the appointment of a new state party president, further adding to the churn in the Karnataka unit.

- Ends