‘No CLP Meeting Called Yet’: Surjewala On Karnataka Leadership Rumours Amid Siddaramaiah Resignation Reports

Congress Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala on Wednesday said that urged the media not to speculate about the Karnataka leadership issue, saying no Congress Legislature Party meeting has been called and no official decision has yet been taken regarding any change in leadership.

Addressing reporters in KPCC headquaters, Bengaluru amid growing political buzz over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Surjewala said the Congress party would officially communicate any future decision whenever necessary.

"Currently no meeting of the legislature party has been called by the Congress party. No other decision has yet been taken. As things evolve, we will inform you," Surjewala said.

Requesting the media to avoid speculation over possible political developments, he said, "I cannot tell you what will happen after one month, 20 days, tomorrow, six months or one year. That is speculation."

Calling the Kannada media among the "most insightful", Surjewala appealed to journalists to report responsibly amid the ongoing discussions surrounding Karnataka Congress leadership.

"With folded hands, my humble request is not to indulge in speculation," he said.

Surjewala also strongly defended Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, praising both leaders for their contribution to the Congress party and Karnataka politics.

Describing Siddaramaiah as a "very senior and respected leader", he said the Chief Minister had contributed immensely to the Congress as Leader of Opposition and as a two-time Chief Minister.

At the same time, he also highlighted DK Shivakumar's organisational role within the Congress, stating that Shivakumar had risen through the party ranks and had served as Deputy Chief Minister under Siddaramaiah over the past three years.

"Whatever decisions the party takes in the days to come, I shall inform you," Surjewala said, reiterating that no conclusions should be drawn prematurely.

He further said the Congress leadership under Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi would only take decisions keeping Karnataka's interests in mind.

"The only decision that Mallikarjun Khargeji and Rahul Gandhiji will take will not be in favour of individuals, but in favour of Karnataka," he said.

Shifting focus towards governance, Surjewala accused the BJP of opposing the Congress government's welfare guarantee schemes in Karnataka.

He defended flagship schemes such as Gruha Lakshmi, Gruha Jyoti, Shakti and Anna Bhagya, claiming they had benefited crores of people across the state.

Surjewala also criticised the BJP-led central government over fuel prices and taxation, questioning why petrol and diesel prices remained high despite a decline in global crude oil prices.

"Congress is capable of resolving its leadership issue. Whenever we decide anything regarding leadership, I will happily inform you," he said.

The Congress leadership issue in Karnataka has intensified over the past few days amid speculation over a possible transition formula involving Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. While party leaders continue to publicly deny any immediate change, political activity in Bengaluru and Delhi has kept discussions around Karnataka's leadership firmly in focus.

Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru on Wednesday amid intensifying speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka.

According to sources, Surjewala is expected to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah shortly and will remain in Bengaluru for the next few days as political discussions within the Congress continue.

Sources further indicated that Siddaramaiah is likely to resign on Thursday as part of the Congress leadership transition formula currently being discussed within the party.

The political buzz comes at a time when Siddaramaiah is reportedly facing immense pressure from his supporters and senior lawmakers not to step down from the Chief Minister's post.

Senior Congress leader RV Deshpande said several legislators met Siddaramaiah and urged him to continue as Chief Minister. "We told Siddaramaiah not to resign. But he said he has given his word," Deshpande told reporters. "All lawmakers who met him said he should continue. He said he can't since the high command had decided," he added.

Deshpande further claimed that the Chief Minister appeared to have already made his decision. "The CM has already decided to resign. He may resign tomorrow," he said.

Several ministers, MLAs and MLCs met Siddaramaiah at his official residence 'Kaveri' in Bengaluru amid the growing uncertainty surrounding the leadership issue.

Those who met the Chief Minister included ministers H K Patil, H C Mahadevappa, Zameer Ahmed Khan, Eshwar Khandre and Santosh Lad.

MLAs KY Nanjegowda, B Nagendra, Umesh Meti and AS Ponnanna were also present. JD(S) leader GT Devegowda, along with MLCs Saleem Ahmed and Rajendra Rajanna, also met Siddaramaiah.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil said some leaders conveyed concern over reports of Siddaramaiah stepping down. "Some of us expressed our sense of concern. He was totally silent," Patil said.

Interestingly, Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil earlier dismissed speculation surrounding Siddaramaiah's resignation. "There is no question of Siddaramaiah's resignation. All that is speculation," MB Patil said.

Meanwhile, political attention also turned towards Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara after a special puja was held at his residence in Bengaluru's Sadashivanagar area.

Parameshwara, who is also being discussed as a possible contender in the Karnataka leadership equation, said he was unaware of the details discussed between Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command in Delhi. "We don't know what was discussed in Delhi. I don't know for sure what decision has been made," Parameshwara said.

The Congress leadership issue in Karnataka has intensified following recent meetings between Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and senior Congress leaders in Delhi.

While the Congress officially continues to deny any imminent leadership change, Surjewala's arrival in Bengaluru and the growing political activity around Siddaramaiah have further fuelled speculation over a possible transition in the Karnataka government.