Despite Congress notice, MLA continues 'DK Shivakumar for Chief Minister' call

Karnataka Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain has said he stands by his call for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to be made the Chief Minister of the state, even after receiving a show-cause notice from the party for his remarks.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Hussain said, “I stand by my statement. I need the change and in future Congress should come to power. More development is needed and hence change is needed. DK Shivakumar has worked hard for the party and got the party to get 140 seats. He needs to be given a chance to ensure Congress comes back to power in 2028.”

Iqbal Hussain said he conveyed his views directly to Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala. “High command said do not talk in the media. I said we need to talk, DK Shivakumar is from my district. High command has seen his work and programmes. He fought against the government in Covid-19 too. I am asking for a change. Siddaramaiah has been given a chance already, five plus two and a half years. I have requested for change and they have responded positively and said we will decide on it,” he said.

On Tuesday, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar, issued a show-cause notice to Iqbal Hussain for his public remarks about a possible leadership change. The letter from KPCC said that Hussain’s statements to the media had created confusion and embarrassment for the party and were a breach of party discipline.

“You have given a statement to the media regarding the change of Chief Minister. You have made public remarks that have caused confusion and embarrassment within the party. These statements have brought embarrassment to the party. This amounts to a violation of party discipline. Your undisciplined statements have been taken seriously. Hence, this show-cause notice is being issued. You are instructed to provide an explanation regarding your statements within one week of receiving this notice,” the letter stated.

Earlier on the same day, reacting to the remarks by Hussain, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala had said, “I will serve him a notice. No one should make public statements on this. Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister and we all should strengthen his hand.”

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