Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar described the recent general election results as a “warning bell” for the Congress party, emphasizing the need for introspection and course correction. Of the 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka, Congress secured only nine.
Speaking to reporters at his official residence in Kumarakrupa, DK Shivakumar stated, “We will hold review meetings with all the leaders. It is time to introspect and make the necessary course corrections. The results are a warning bell.” He announced that review meetings are planned for constituencies across the state, with dates to be announced soon.
Addressing concerns about the All India Congress Committee (AICC) President’s dissatisfaction with the results in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, DK Shivakumar acknowledged, “We were confident of winning 14–15 seats, but we have failed to achieve these numbers. We have to accept the people’s verdict. The party leaders haven’t got votes from their own villages and towns.”
Responding to comments about some ministers blaming MLAs for the defeat, DK Shivakumar dismissed such claims, stating, “Nobody has complained about it to me. There is no point in the blame game. Leaders who are in charge of the constituencies must talk to party workers, investigate the reasons for the defeat, and come out with recommendations.”
Referring to a statement by MLA Basavaraj Shivaganga, DK Shivakumar advised, “MLAs should not issue statements in public unnecessarily. They need to sit with the party workers and discuss the problem.”
The Deputy Chief Minister’s remarks underline the need for the Congress party to re-evaluate its strategy and address internal issues to strengthen its position in future elections.
