Karnataka Congress begins Lok Sabha polls 2024 preparations with warning to warring factions

The meeting was held against the backdrop of MLAs belonging to two factions — one led by Siddaramaiah and another led by Shivakumar — commenting on power sharing.

Surjewala warned of initiating disciplinary action against the ministers, MLAs, and MLCs if they made any public statements on the party’s internal affairs.

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Congress kickstarts LS poll preparations

“Karnataka is at the centre of the Congress party’s strategy for the forthcoming general elections. Both the chief minister and KPCC president have assured the party that they will get 20-plus seats in the Lok Sabha elections,” Surjewala told reporters.

“In fact, we hope to complete the sweep by winning over 25-plus seats in Karnataka,” he added.

ಮುಂಬರುವ ಲೋಕಸಭಾ ಚುನಾವಣೆ ಸೇರಿದಂತೆ ಹಲವು ವಿಚಾರಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ಇಂದು ಕೆಪಿಸಿಸಿ ಕಚೇರಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಪತ್ರಿಕಾಗೋಷ್ಠಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಎಐಸಿಸಿ ಪ್ರಧಾನ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿ ಹಾಗೂ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಉಸ್ತುವಾರಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @Rssurjewala ಪಾಲ್ಗೊಂಡೆ. pic.twitter.com/3gR2xud052

— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 1, 2023

“The process of identifying the candidates must begin without delay. I am going to tour different parliamentary constituencies after the conclusion of the five Assembly elections,” he said.

“We hope that the Congress guarantees, which have been decisively implemented, will ensure the party’s victory in the Lok Sabha polls,” he expressed confidence.

Extending Karnataka Rajyotsava greetings, Surjewala said on “this auspicious day, the state has once again resolved to march forward on the path of progress and prosperity. We have requested the KPCC president and chief minister to identify the candidates for the Parliament polls”.

“If possible, hold talks with all legislators from the respective parliament constituencies. The district bodies of the organisation, whether it is district or block committees, whether it is the frontal organisation or other prominent leaders, they should be involved in the discussions on the selection of possible candidates,” the AICC general secretary further said.

“We briefly reviewed the Congress’s guarantee programmes, on how they are being implemented. The regular audits are going on, and wherever there is a deficiency, the minister and ministry concerned are addressing them,” he said.

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KPCC rejig soon: Surjewala

Surjewala said the meeting also discussed the formation of various boards.

“Since I am also in charge of the Madhya Pradesh party affairs, the full-fledged implementation of appointments of chairpersons to these boards and corporations will be carried out only after the culmination of the Assembly election on 17 November, he said.

The meeting also discussed the reorganisation of the KPCC.

“The proposal envisions a strategic reshaping of the party cadre, recognising the dual roles held by many of our office-bearers who are MLAs or ministers. The proposal advocates relieving the current office-bearers of their organisational responsibilities,” he added.

Fresh talent would replace them, Surjewala said, adding that the new faces would have the calibre to become future lawmakers.

“This strategic reallocation is envisioned to enhance efficiency within the party’s organisational framework, ensuring a seamless distribution of responsibilities. We are committed to fostering a rejuvenated and forward-looking party,” he said.

Also read: Congress eyes strategic reshuffle ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls

Surjewala warns ministers, MLAs and MLCs

Conflicting statements by the factions led by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar regarding power-sharing and internal party matters made the party issue a warning.

“We have warned them very clearly and categorically. No minister, no MLA, no party leader should violate the party discipline. Anybody who does so is doing a huge disservice to the party,” he said, adding that all should stick together.

He added that any issue could be raised at the appropriate party forum. He also stated that party MLAs have been asked not to make public statements on party affairs. “The MLAs should be looking at the development of their constituency and any policy measures that need to be initiated by the government,” he said.

Surjewala also asked the ministers to focus on their portfolios and constituencies.