Supporters of former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah staged a protest on Thursday, burning tyres and raising slogans in his favor, against the Congress party’s reported move to replace him as the chief minister. The demonstration took place near a statue in Bengaluru, where protesters set tyres on fire and shouted slogans demanding that Siddaramaiah continue in the top post.
Protest Details
The protest, organized by Siddaramaiah’s loyalists, saw a large gathering of supporters who expressed anger over the Congress leadership’s alleged plans to appoint a new chief minister. According to sources, the party high command is considering a change in leadership ahead of the 2028 assembly elections. The protesters blocked traffic for a brief period, causing inconvenience to commuters. Police were deployed to control the situation, and no violence was reported.
Political Context
Siddaramaiah, a veteran Congress leader, has been a dominant figure in Karnataka politics. His supporters argue that he has delivered on key promises and remains popular among the masses. The Congress party, however, is reportedly evaluating options to rejuvenate its image in the state. Political analysts suggest that the leadership change could be aimed at countering the growing influence of the Bharatiya Janata Party and regional parties in Karnataka.
Congress leaders have not officially commented on the speculation, but internal discussions are believed to be underway. Siddaramaiah himself has remained silent on the matter, though his supporters have vowed to continue their protests until the party clarifies its stance. The development has added to the uncertainty within the Karnataka Congress unit, with several factions lobbying for their preferred candidates.
This is not the first time Siddaramaiah’s supporters have taken to the streets. In 2023, similar protests erupted when there were rumors of his removal. The Congress party had then denied any such plans. However, with elections approaching, the pressure on the leadership to make strategic changes has intensified.
