Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 1 : Karnataka Minister HK Patil asserted that AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala's visit is not "connected" with the "change of leadership".
He also reiterated the stance of Randeep Surjewala, who, according to the Minister, clearly stated that the visit is to discuss, among other things, the party organisation.
On a meeting held by Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala with the Congress MLAs, Patil told ANI, "Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has made it candidly clear that this exercise has nothing to do with a change of leadership. Randeep Singh Surjewala has made it very clear that this is to discuss the constituencies, the party organisation, and so many other things to be discussed with them. Nothing is connected with the change of leadership..."
The minister's remarks came amid speculations of a change in the state Congress unit.
Earlier on Tuesday, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge clarified that there is "no discontentment", "no talks of change in CM's face", asserting that Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar his deputy and Karnataka unit President.
Speaking to ANI on Monday, Kharge said, "When the High Command has clearly stated, there is nothing of that sort in the decision-making process, then it doesn't matter who says what. Everyone's roles have been very well defined. Siddaramaiah is the CM, DK Shivakumar is the PCC President and the Deputy CM..."
He also stated that everyone has a right to voice their concerns at an appropriate forum and advised the disgruntled legislators to speak to the Party High Command.
"Everyone is free to express their opinions at the right forum. If anyone has any problem with the state leadership, they need to speak to the party's High Command, and not the media... There is no fire burning, there is no discontentment... There are no talks of change in CM's face... When the AICC President, the PCC President, and the CM have very clearly stated everything, how does it matter what others say?" he added.
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala visited Karnataka on Monday to speak to the party legislators, amidst state minister KN Rajanna's statement, hinting at a possible organisational reshuffle in the state.
Party chief Mallikarjun Kharge had said that (changing the Chief Minister) is in the hands of the party high command.
"It is in the hands of the party high command. No one can say what is going on in the high command. It is left to the high command, and they have the right to take further action, but no one should create problems unnecessarily," he said.
Speaking on Surjewala's visit, the Congress President said, "Surjewala has come to the state. He will ask what's going on and gather information about what has happened. Based on that, we'll see what needs to be done next."