Overview

• Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar called allegations of undisclosed Surjewala meetings “completely false” and stressed that the party general secretary would communicate directly with state officials if necessary.
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier refuted claims that Surjewala held private talks with North Indian bureaucrats posted in Karnataka.
• Co-operation Minister K N Rajanna warned such behind-closed-door meetings would be illegal, but Shivakumar deferred further comment to the chief minister.
• Home Minister G Parameshwara dismissed BJP and JD(S) labels of “super CM” as baseless and affirmed that Surjewala has not interfered in administration.
• Reports that Rajanna and Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa skipped one-on-one sessions with Surjewala have intensified speculation over internal leadership dynamics.