Bengaluru: Congress Launches Damage Control Amid Leadership Rumors

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, June 29, 2025: Amid internal dissent and speculation over leadership changes, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala will visit Bengaluru for two days starting tomorrow to address party concerns in Karnataka.

The visit follows allegations from Congress MLAs BR Patil and Raju Kage, who criticized the government over corruption in the housing department and administrative failures. Opposition parties, including the BJP and JD(S), have used these claims to demand Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s resignation.

Surjewala is expected to meet disgruntled legislators privately and issue a directive discouraging public statements about internal matters. Speculation about Deputy CM DK Shivakumar potentially succeeding Siddaramaiah has further fueled discussions.

Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain hinted at a leadership change, stating, “The high command may give an opportunity to DK Shivakumar within months.”

CM Siddaramaiah, after meetings with the dissenting MLAs, has assured them that their concerns will be addressed. The situation underscores tensions within the party as it seeks to project unity amid political challenges.