Hours after the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister declared that the Congress is “united” and there are no internal factions, a leaked video of a senior party leader has triggered a political upheaval across party lines. The video, featuring MLA BR Patil speaking over the phone, has sparked a massive row amid growing speculation over a leadership change and shifting power dynamics in Karnataka.
Congress MLA Makes Startling Revelations
In a video, which was recorded during Patil’s visit to Mandya, he is heard saying that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s fortune were good that’s why he became the Chief Minister. The MLA has asserted that it was him who had introduced him (Siddaramaiah) to the CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Patil added that he had discussed the current political scenario with Congress MP Randeep Surjewala, who visited Bengaluru on Monday.
“Siddaramaiah hit a lottery. I was the one who introduced him to Sonia Gandhi. His fortunes were good and he became the Chief Minister. I have no Godfather or God. I met (Randeep Singh) Surjewala and said everything I had to. They heard me out with patience, let’s see what happens,” said MLA Patil in the video as reported by NDTV.
Notably, the video has come to light after Surjewala earlier stated that no leadership change plan had come up in his discussions with MLAs. In the meeting, DK Shivakumar’s supporters were also present who have been demanding his elevation to the CM post.
‘We Are United’: DK Shivakumar
Meanwhile, DCM DK Shivakumar on Tuesday clarified that there are no groups in the Congress and the party stands united. He stated that party is focused on the local body elections and the 2028 assembly elections. Shivakumar further stressed that he doesn’t want any MLA to bat for him, stating the party high command will take the necessary action on current situation.
Shivakumar said, “My duty is to give more strength to the discipline of the party. We have to concentrate on the local body elections and the 2028 assembly elections…There are no groups in the Congress party, we are united.”
He added, “I don’t want any MLAs to speak, the party high command will definitely take action against those who are speaking a lot. I don’t want anyone to support or shout at me, we will discuss and sort out the problems.”
#WATCH | Bengaluru | Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, “…My duty is to give more strength to the discipline of the party. We have to concentrate on the local body elections and the 2028 assembly elections…There are no groups in the Congress party, we are united…”
He… pic.twitter.com/QXFkkCIJDO
— ANI (@ANI) July 1, 2025
Speculation of internal strife within the state Congress unit intensified following Minister KN Rajanna’s recent remarks. It deepened further after Congress MP Randeep Surjewala’s visit to Karnataka on Monday. Notably, Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna sparked controversy by claiming the rise of multiple power centres within the party’s state unit. In his recent remarks, hinting at potential political changes, the minister also appeared to take a veiled swipe at Siddaramaiah’s leadership, stating that many feel the Siddaramaiah of today is not the same as the one between 2013 and 2018.
The situation has becomes so intense that Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge had to step out to position party’s stance. Reacting to the growing speculations, Kharge firmly stated that the party high command handles all these matters and no one really knows what is going on there.
“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,” Kharge said on Monday.
