Rahul Gandhi Urges Unity Among Karnataka Leaders Amid Factionalism Reports

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar, urging them to work together and address the party's performance issues in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Reports of factionalism within the state unit were discussed, highlighting the need for strengthened coordination.

In a strategic move, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi convened a crucial meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar on Tuesday, sources within the party confirmed. The primary focus was to address the growing concerns of factionalism and stress the necessity of coordinated governance in the state.

Rahul Gandhi urged the leaders to analyze the party's underwhelming performance in the recent Lok Sabha elections, despite an improved output compared to 2019. The Congress managed only nine out of the 28 contested seats, as opposed to the BJP's 17 seats. This performance fell short of party expectations, prompting the high command to demand a thorough introspection and corrective measures.

The meeting, attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders, underscored the message of unity amidst prevailing internal divides. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar echoed the sentiments on social media, reaffirming their commitment to collaborative efforts. The Congress had secured a commanding victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, winning 135 of the 224 seats, necessitating a strong and unified leadership.

(With inputs from agencies.)