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Karnataka Congress Leadership Tussle: High Command May Not Intervene, Says MLA

Congress MLA K.N. Rajanna believes the party high command may not intervene in Karnataka's leadership issue, citing AICC President Kharge's recent statement that internal matters should be resolved within the state unit. This comes as Deputy CM Shivakumar seeks to meet high command leaders amid the ongoing tussle. Rajanna also clarified his controversial letter to Rahul Gandhi on the 'vote chori' issue, stating his remarks were misunderstood. Meanwhile, Home Minister Parameshwara affirmed that decisions by the Gandhi family and Kharge are final in the leadership matter.

Key Points: Karnataka Congress Leadership Tussle: High Command May Not Step In

  • Kharge suggests resolving issues within state
  • Shivakumar seeks high command meeting
  • Leadership decisions rest with high command
  • Rajanna clarifies 'vote chori' letter
2 min read

Congress high command may not intervene in leadership issue in Karnataka: Ex-minister Rajanna

Congress MLA Rajanna says party high command may not intervene in Karnataka leadership issue after Kharge's remarks. Get the latest on the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar tussle.

"After Kharge's statement, I doubt whether the high command will interfere in this matter. - K.N. Rajanna, Congress MLA"

Bengaluru, Dec 24

Congress MLA and former minister K.N. Rajanna, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Wednesday opined that the party high command may not intervene in the leadership issue in the state.

Rajanna's statement assumes significance as Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar is trying to meet the high command leaders over the leadership tussle.

Speaking to reporters in Tumakuru, Rajanna said the AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned why internal issues were being pointed towards the high command and had suggested that such matters should be resolved within the state unit itself.

"After Kharge's statement, I doubt whether the high command will interfere in this matter. In my opinion, the high command will not step in," Rajanna said.

Kharge made the statement in Delhi in this regard on December 21.

Rajanna said that individual MLAs, including those from Ramanagara or elsewhere, were free to express their views, but leadership decisions rest with the high command.

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain is a staunch follower of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and he has been demanding a leadership change.

Any decision on leadership changes in Karnataka, including the Chief Minister and ministers, would be taken solely by the party high command, and it was not known when such a decision would be made, he said.

Commenting on his letter to the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, regarding the alleged 'vote chori' issue, Rajanna said his statement had been misunderstood.

Rajanna was unceremoniously removed from the cabinet post following his remark, which allegedly contradicted Gandhi's stand.

He stated that his letter acknowledged the party's own responsibility, particularly since the Congress was in power at the time.

He said Booth Level Agents (BLAs), appointed by the party, were responsible for monitoring voter lists and flagging irregularities, while officials appointed Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

"If our party leaders had been vigilant, the alleged vote theft could have been prevented," he said, urging that his statement be read in full.

Meanwhile, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that decisions of Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi were final in the leadership matter concerning the state.

He added that Mallikarjun Kharge may have made his statement to avoid confusion.

On Rajanna's letter to Rahul Gandhi, Parameshwara said he had not seen it yet and would respond after reading it.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The constant leadership tussle is so tiring for us voters. We elected them to work for Karnataka's development, not to fight for chairs. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are capable leaders. They should focus on governance, not internal politics. 🤦‍♀️
R
Rohit P
Rajanna's point about BLAs is valid. If our own party workers were alert, many issues could be prevented. But after his removal, his statements carry less weight. The high command's final word is from Sonia ji, Rahul ji, and Kharge ji. That's how Congress works.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, this "high command will not step in" and then "high command's decision is final" is confusing messaging for the public. It creates uncertainty. The party needs to present a united front, especially with the BJP always watching. Clarity is needed.
V
Vikram M
As a Kannadiga, I want stability. This speculation helps no one. Let the MLAs work for their constituencies. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are more important. Internal fights now will only damage the party's prospects in the state. Jai Karnataka!
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Michael C
Interesting to see the dynamics. Parameshwara's statement seems to contradict Rajanna's interpretation. The final authority still lies with the Gandhis and Kharge, regardless of where the issue is *supposed* to be resolved. The central leadership holds all the cards.

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