Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar fumes at Jarkiholi for his statement on replacing KPCC president

Jarkiholi on Wednesday sparked a debate within the ruling Congress over the change of the state president, saying a full-time leader was needed to devote more time to the party in the state.

Under attack from his own colleagues, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar delivered a stinging rebuke to insinuations that he should be removed as party chief by saying on Thursday that the Karnataka Congress president's post isn't sold in shops or decided by the media.

In another development, Karnataka Congress working president Manjunath Bhandary issued a public statement specifically reprimanding senior ministers Satish Jarkiholi, H C Mahadevappa and R B Timmapur for violating the party’s discipline and that the high command had sought reports about them.

Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar pointed out that Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have pulled up leaders for washing dirty linen in public.

“Party affairs should not be discussed in the media. Any issue can be discussed internally with Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, the CM or me. Will you (media) help me get a position in the party? Are positions sold in shops? Positions are given based on hard work that is recognised,” Shivakumar said.

Shivakumar said those making statements “may be doing so for the sake of publicity”.

The likes of Satish Jarkiholi have urged the party high command to clarify if Shivakumar will continue as party chief.

“They should ask Kharge (to clarify). Essentially, they are questioning Kharge,” Shivakumar said.

Meanwhile, Bhandary said the Congress high command has sought reports about party leaders making media statements despite warnings. “High command is of the opinion that those violating their diktat are not disciplined soldiers of the party,” he said.

According to Bhandary, the party has sought a report comprising the following details: visits to districts and party offices, focus on organisational activities, cooperation in fulfilling manifesto promises, effective implementation of government programmes and so on.

“The party has also sought complete details about ministers violating party discipline by making repeated statements in the media,” he said.

Bhandary, in his statement, specifically named Satish Jarkiholi, Mahadevappa and Timmapur for speaking out of turn. “The party is looking into their report cards,” he said. “Those publicly commenting on the party’s leadership by defying orders will face the consequences in the coming days.”

Reacting to Bhandary’s statement, Satish Jarkiholi said: “We will clarify if a notice is issued. Getting a notice doesn’t mean catastrophe. Our version is clear.”