Dissent in Karnataka Congress: High command steps in, Surjewala to meet MLAs
Surjewala will meet around 40 legislators individually over his three-day visit to address their grievances. The meetings follow statements by senior legislators alleging corruption in government departments, delays in constituency-level development, and a lack of internal coordination.
New Delhi: Amid growing dissent within the Karnataka Congress, the party high command has sent AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to Bengaluru to hold meetings with leaders and MLAs.
Surjewala will meet around 40 legislators individually over his three-day visit to address their grievances. The meetings follow statements by senior legislators alleging corruption in government departments, delays in constituency-level development, and a lack of internal coordination.
Dissatisfaction with govt's functioning
Among those expected to meet Surjewala are senior legislators BR Patil, Raju Kage, Basavaraj Rayareddi, and NY Gopalakrishna -- all of whom have expressed dissatisfaction with the government's functioning. Patil recently accused the housing department of corruption, while Kage has threatened to resign over the lack of developmental progress in his constituency.
The move by the high command comes in the backdrop of cooperation minister KN Rajanna's controversial claim that Karnataka would witness a "political revolution" after September, fuelling speculation about a possible leadership change or cabinet reshuffle.
Congress leaders dismiss speculations
However, senior Congress leaders have dismissed such speculation. "Surjewala is visiting to listen to MLAs. Reports about leadership change are baseless," KPCC working president GC Chandrasekhar said.
Deputy chief minister and KPCC president DK Shivakumar also confirmed Surjewala's visit, saying that legislators had been informed of the meeting schedule. "He will meet MLAs personally. I have also conveyed the message to them," he said.