Karnataka election results a warning bell for Congress: DK Shivakumar

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, June 11, 2024: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday described the recent general election results as a "warning bell" that necessitates a course correction. Of the 28 Lok Sabha seats, Congress could secure victory in nine constituencies in Karnataka.

Speaking to reporters at his official residence in Kumarakrupa, Shivakumar said, "We will hold review meetings with all the leaders. It is time to introspect and make the necessary course corrections. The results are a warning bell."

He added that review meetings have been planned for constituencies across the state. Dates for these meetings will be announced shortly, he said.

When asked about the AICC President’s dissatisfaction with the results in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, Shivakumar said, "We were confident of winning 14–15 seats, but we have failed to achieve these numbers. We have to accept the people’s verdict. The party leaders haven’t got votes from their own villages and towns."

Addressing comments about some ministers blaming MLAs for the defeat, Shivakumar said, "Nobody has complained about it to me. There is no point in the blame game. Leaders who are in charge of the constituencies must talk to party workers, investigate the reasons for the defeat, and come out with recommendations."

Referring to a statement by MLA Basavaraj Shivaganga, he advised, "MLAs should not issue statements in public unnecessarily. They need to sit with the party workers and discuss the problem."