In Mysuru, AHINDA organisations launched a letter campaign on Wednesday, appealing to Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to publicly confirm that Siddaramaiah will serve as Chief Minister of Karnataka for the full five-year term following the Congress’s 2023 Assembly election victory.
AHINDA communities stake claim for Siddu’s full term
Hundreds of supporters of the AHINDA coalition, representing minorities, backward classes and Dalits, gathered around Ramaswamy Circle in Mysuru and sent letters addressed to Rahul Gandhi, urging that Siddaramaiah remain at the helm for five years. AHINDA groups argued that the Congress won 135 seats in 2023 under Siddaramaiah’s leadership thanks to their vote, and that any change in his post would undermine their identity and trust.
ALSO READ | President Droupadi Murmu flies Rafale fighter jet from Ambala airbase
"This opposition may hinder the progress of the Congress party. The propaganda that Siddaramaiah will be removed from the post of Chief Minister is impossible for the AHINDA communities to tolerate. Therefore, we hereby request you [Rahul Gandhi] and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge to immediately intervene and declare that Siddaramaiah will continue as the Chief Minister of Karnataka for a period of five years, and clear all the confusion," reads the letter.
Speculation over leadership change fuels unrest
The demand comes amid persistent speculation that Siddaramaiah could be replaced later this year, based on an alleged power-sharing deal with his deputy, DK Shivakumar, within the Congress party in Karnataka. AHINDA groups warn that replacing Siddaramaiah now would hurt the pitched support base of the Congress among backward classes, minorities and Dalits.
