Karna PCC serves show cause notices on two ex-MLAs,

The Karnataka PCC today served show cause notices on two former MLAs, including former state assembly speaker K B Koliwad, for their statements in the media which embarrassed the party.

While Koliwad had blamed some congress leaders for "tormenting" chief minister H D Kumaraswamy leading to his emotional breakdown at a function recently, K N Rajanna had cast doubts over the government's longevity.

"Your activities have been against the interests of the party. Why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for going against the policies and principles of the party.

I have been directed by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president (Dinesh Gundu Rao) to ask you to submit your replies in seven days, failing which next course of action will be initiated against you," KPCC general secretary V Y Ghorpade said in the notices.

At the Congress Working Committee meeting in New Delhi yesterday, party chief Rahul Gandhi had warned leaders to abstain from making "irrelevant" statements in public that could derail its political discourse and harm the party's prospects in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.