‘Siddaramaiah Hit a Lottery’: BR Patil in Leaked Audio
Leaked BR Patil Video Rekindles Power Struggle in Karnataka Amid Congress Denial of Leadership Change
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 1st July: Even as the Congress high command attempts to douse the flames of internal dissent in Karnataka, a leaked video of senior party MLA BR Patil has reignited the leadership tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
In the footage, reportedly recorded during Patil’s visit to Krishnaraja Pete in Mandya, the three-time MLA is heard saying, “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.” He further added that he had conveyed his concerns to AICC in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, who heard him out “with patience.”
The video surfaced just hours after Surjewala asserted there was no discussion of replacing Siddaramaiah, saying the government would continue under his leadership. Shivakumar, seated next to Surjewala at the media briefing, also distanced himself from the growing chorus demanding his elevation, stating that he didn’t want MLAs to campaign for him and urged focus on the 2028 Assembly elections.
However, the power struggle within the Karnataka Congress continues to simmer. MLA Iqbal Hussain recently claimed that nearly 100 of the 138 party legislators support Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister, warning that Congress risks losing the next election if it fails to make the switch now.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, has dismissed the speculation. In a show of unity, he appeared with Shivakumar in Mysuru, declaring, “This government will be as solid as a ‘bande’ (rock) for five years.” He held Shivakumar’s hand, denying any rift between them and stating they do not pay heed to outside chatter.
The roots of the ongoing crisis trace back to the aftermath of the 2023 Assembly polls, when Shivakumar’s key role in the Congress victory had made him a top contender for the Chief Minister’s post. Though he was placated with the Deputy CM and KPCC chief posts, reports hinted at a rotational power-sharing formula, though it was never officially confirmed.
Party sources now suggest that changes in the state unit and cabinet are on the table. Siddaramaiah is reportedly pushing for a cabinet reshuffle to consolidate his position, while Shivakumar prefers maintaining the current arrangement.
As the Congress grapples with balancing power between two stalwarts, the BR Patil leak has once again brought the leadership debate into sharp focus — just when the party wanted to project a picture of unity.
