Udupi: Karnataka Legislative Council member Dr. Manjunath Bhandari has dismissed speculation of a political shake-up in the Congress, stating firmly that “there is no revolution in September.” He emphasized that any major decisions regarding leadership changes or party direction will be made by the All India Congress Committee (AICC), not by individual leaders.
Speaking to the media in Udupi, Bhandari said internal discussions or comments from state leaders hold no significance compared to directives from the national leadership. “What matters is the stand of the AICC president, not isolated voices,” he added.
Defending Priyanka Kharge’s statement on banning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bhandari said her remarks were entirely justified. “There is nothing above the Constitution. If we return to power, we will definitely review the RSS ban,” he asserted.
When asked about BJP leader R. Ashoka’s claims that AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala came to Karnataka to collect money, Bhandari responded sharply. “Wasn’t the same done during BJP’s tenure? Observers and general secretaries visit states to understand ground realities. Congress is a party built by workers, not overnight billionaires,” he said.
He added that Surjewala’s visit aimed at hearing grievances and strengthening the party, not for collecting funds. He challenged critics to compare the wealth and evolution of BJP leaders over the last 50 years with those in the Congress.