Thu Oct 02 13:58:58 UTC 2025: **Summary of the Text:**
The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has issued show-cause notices to two of its members, MLA H.D. Ranganath and former MP L.R. Shivarame Gowda, for publicly discussing a potential leadership change in the state of Karnataka, specifically speculating that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. These statements were considered acts of indiscipline and caused embarrassment and confusion within the party. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has stressed that the matter is closed, with Siddaramaiah committed to completing his full term and both leaders abiding by the party’s high command decision.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Congress Cracks Down on Leadership Change Talk: Two Lawmakers Face Disciplinary Action**
**Bengaluru, October 2, 2025** – The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has taken decisive action to quell internal speculation regarding a change in state leadership. On Thursday, the KPCC issued show-cause notices to Kunigal MLA H.D. Ranganath and former Mandya MP L.R. Shivarame Gowda, demanding explanations for their recent public statements about a potential succession plan.
The notices, issued by the KPCC disciplinary committee led by K. Rahman Khan, accuse the two lawmakers of “indiscipline” for suggesting that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would soon replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with Gowda even pinpointing November as the month of the alleged transition.
“Your statements in public as reported by the media have not only caused embarrassment to the party, but have also created confusion,” the notice stated, giving the recipients seven days to respond.
Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has publicly condemned the discussions, stating that they are “damaging the party” and that no one is authorized to speak on the subject of power sharing. He reiterated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will complete his full five-year term, in accordance with the decision of the party’s high command.
“Where is the discussion on power sharing? There should be no question on this. Whatever Mr. Siddaramaiah has said is final. After his statement, no one should discuss it,” Shivakumar asserted.
This crackdown follows similar disciplinary actions against other party members, including MLAs Shivaganga V. Basavaraj and Iqbal Hussain, who had also voiced opinions on potential leadership changes. The KPCC’s firm stance underscores its commitment to maintaining unity and discipline within the party amidst ongoing speculation.