Congress top brass meets Karnataka leaders to hammer strategy for 2024 LS Polls
New Delhi, Aug 2: Top Congress leadership on Wednesday discussed the party's strategy for the next Lok Sabha elections with senior party leaders from Karnataka and called for unity in the party cadre for a repeat of its electoral success.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi were part of the discussions, where Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar, besides AICC general secretary in-charge for Karnataka Randeep Surjewala, were present.
Kharge and Gandhi urged the party leaders to help repeat the party performance in the upcoming general elections and called for unity across its rank and file.
Sources said Rahul Gandhi also told the leaders and ministers there should be no corruption in the Congress government in the state.
He urged the ministers to rise to the expectations of the people who have voted the party to power.
"Together, we are scripting a new chapter of progress and welfare for 6.5 Crore Kannadigas. We are tirelessly working towards fulfilling our 5 solemn guarantees, all of which are in advanced stages of implementation," Kharge said after the meeting.
"A historic mandate also brings in a huge responsibility. We are confident that the people of Karnataka will also repose their faith in the Congress party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections," the Congress chief said.
He also said that Karnataka trusts the party's "welfare-oriented governance and development paradigm."
Siddaramaiah later tweeted pictures of the meeting, while KC Venugopal, AICC general secretary, organisation, claimed the party will come to power in 2024 with a resounding victory.
"Today, attended a meeting to review preparations of Karnataka Congress for the Lok Sabha elections, chaired by INC President Sh. Mallikarjun Kharge ji, along with Sh. Rahul Gandhi ji and other senior leaders.
"Karnataka gave the INC a historic mandate. We are working tirelessly to fulfil our guarantees, and will usher in transformative change in the state. Repeating 2023, Karnataka will resoundingly reject BJP in 2024," Venugopal said in a tweet after the meeting.
"Neither do people believe PM Modi anymore, nor think that BJP's motley group of incompetent MPs and Karnataka leaders can deliver on their hopes. Karnataka is firmly behind the Congress, be it Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha," he also said.
The Congress won the assembly elections in Karnataka recently and ousted the BJP from the lone southern state where it was in power.
The party is now seeking to stage a stupendous performance in the Lok Sabha elections riding the momentum after its victory in Karnataka.
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Mehbooba Mufti thanks CMs of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka for Waqf Act stance
Srinagar, Apr 12 (PTI): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed gratitude to the chief ministers of West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for their "courageous and principled stand" against the Waqf Amendment Act.
Mufti, a former chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, wrote identical letters to the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Tamil Nadu's M K Stalin and Karnataka's Siddaramaiah.
In a post on microblogging site X, Mufti said, "I have written to @MamataOfficial ji, @mkstalin ji & @siddaramaiah ji expressing heartfelt gratitude for their courageous & principled stand against the Waqf Amendment Bill. In today's India where dissent of any kind is increasingly criminalised their unequivocal voices come as a breath of fresh air."
"As residents of Jammu and Kashmir -- the only Muslim-majority region in the country -- we find solace and inspiration in your unwavering stance in these dark and challenging times," Mufti wrote.
She also posted copies of the letters on her X handle.
"For over a decade, India has faced a growing majoritarian tide threatening its core values of plurality and diversity. While most citizens reject this agenda, those promoting hatred and division now hold power targeting our Constitution, institutions and secular fabric.
"Minorities, particularly Muslims, have borne the brunt, most recently through the arbitrary enforcement of new Waqf laws which undermine our religious freedoms," Mufti said in the letters.
She said these actions "echo earlier injustices" such as the abrogation of special status and "dismemberment" of Jammu and Kashmir and reflect a "broader pattern of systemic erosion of rights".
"In these dark times, your courage and clarity have been a rare beacon of hope. Alongside a few principled voices you have stood up for justice and for the inclusive idea of India. I write to express my deep respect and the gratitude of many who feel voiceless and marginalised," she said.
The PDP chief further wrote that their continued support and leadership, the country can "reclaim our constitutional values and shared future".
I have written to @MamataOfficial ji, @mkstalin ji & @siddaramaiah ji expressing heartfelt gratitude for their courageous & principled stand against the Waqf Amendment Bill. In today’s India where dissent of any kind is increasingly criminalised their unequivocal voices come as a… pic.twitter.com/TVtTaboI4I
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 12, 2025
