Udupi: Minister KN Rajanna expresses willingness to head KPCC, ready to quit cabinet

Udupi: Minister KN Rajanna expresses willingness to head KPCC, ready to quit cabinet

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jan 12, 2025: Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna has conveyed his readiness to take up the role of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president if offered the position by the Congress leadership. Speaking to reporters in Udupi on Sunday, ahead of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Bengaluru on Monday, Mr. Rajanna clarified that he had not demanded the post but would willingly resign from the Cabinet to accept the responsibility.

“I have not made any demands for the KPCC president’s post, nor have I filed any application for it. However, I am an aspirant and ready to take up the role to strengthen the party,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that factional politics, often viewed negatively, is an inherent part of democracy and exists in all political parties, including the Congress, BJP, and Janata Dal (Secular). “Factionalism has been part of Congress since its inception in 1880, and its intensity varies across parties,” he observed.

The CLP meeting assumes significance as it comes amid internal discussions over the tenure of the Chief Minister and the leadership of the KPCC. Addressing speculation about a change in the Chief Minister or a power-sharing agreement, Mr. Rajanna said the decision rests solely with the party high command.

Refusing to comment on Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s recent statement regarding a dinner meeting, Mr. Rajanna remarked, “He [Mr. Shivakumar] has expressed his views, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, we all know that 113 MLAs are needed to form the government.”

The Minister highlighted the importance of grassroots workers in building the Congress. “Base-level workers and all communities should be taken into confidence. They are the backbone of the party in gram, taluk, zilla panchayat, and Assembly polls, and their strength will also reflect in the Lok Sabha elections,” he added.

As the Congress leadership prepares to meet, Mr. Rajanna’s statement has added a new dimension to the ongoing discussions about the party’s future in Karnataka.