Bengaluru
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) on Thursday issued show-cause notices to Kunigal MLA H.D. Ranganath and former Mandya MP L.R. Shivarame Gowda for making public statements about a leadership change in the state. The KPCC disciplinary committee, headed by former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman K. Rahman Khan, has asked them to respond within seven days.
The notices stated that their statements, as reported in the media, had embarrassed the party and caused confusion, amounting to indiscipline. Both leaders recently claimed that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would become the next Chief Minister, with Gowda stating it could happen in November.
Responding to these claims, Shivakumar said such discussions were damaging the party and insisted no one should speak on power-sharing matters. He emphasised that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had affirmed completing his full five-year term and abiding by the high command’s decision. “Whatever Siddaramaiah has said is final,” Shivakumar added.
The KPCC had earlier issued similar notices to Channagiri MLA Shivaganga V. Basavaraj and Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain for making statements on leadership change. Shivakumar reiterated that the party was paramount over individuals and stressed discipline within the Congress ranks.
The move highlights the KPCC’s effort to maintain unity and discipline ahead of future political developments, as internal debates over leadership continue to surface despite the Chief Minister’s assurance of completing his term.