The leadership tussle in Karnataka has only shifted gears after the explosive press meet of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Delhi, where he reiterated that the CM’s chair was not vacant in the state.
During a press meet on Thursday, ahead of his meeting with the party leadership, Siddaramaiah not only claimed that he would complete a “full term” of five years as the CM, but also dismissed there was a secret 50-50 power-sharing pact between him and his political rival and deputy DK Shivakumar, who too was in Delhi, closely following the developments. Even as Siddaramaiah was sending out a strong message to Shivakumar’s camp and the high command that he continued to enjoy the support of a majority of the legislators, CM’s close aides and some ministers quietly met AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge to renew their demand for replacing Shivakumar as the party president.
While both leaders met Kharge and Randeep Singh Surjewala, they could not get an audience with Rahul Gandhi or Sonia Gandhi.
The Siddaramaiah camp is hoping to dislodge Shivakumar from the party chief’s post to gain complete control over the party and the MLAs, to thwart any attempt by Shivakumar to garner support of the MLAs or stake claim to the CM’s post.
Siddaramaiah, had hammered in the fact that he had “won” the internal polls during the government formation in 2023 and also stated that only “one or two” legislators had spoken out in support of Shivakumar becoming the CM.
Shivakumar, who flew back to Bengaluru, chose silence over rebuttals. But his statements reasserting his position as the party chief hinted at the other silent battle brewing within the ruling party.
“Whoever had to give answers has done it. They asked the questions and also answered them. I have nothing to say. The party has given me organisational responsibilities and the DCM position and my focus is to fulfil those responsibilities. No matter how you twist your questions, I will not take the bait. I will not comment on the topic of leadership change. I am currently focussed on fulfilling the responsibilities given by the party. Mallikarjun Kharge has given me ‘dheekshe’ and I have accepted it happily,” he told reporters at the airport.
He maintained that he did not discuss any leadership issues in Delhi, but the appointment of loyal party workers to the 350-odd boards and corporations.
“We got 7,000 applications and I was busy sorting them as we needed only 350 candidates. We have to accommodate many party workers at the taluk and district level for those who have worked hard for the party,” he said.
Magadi MLA H.C. Balakrishna said, “CM might have the support of MLAs, but it does not matter as everything is the High Command’s decision. Siddaramaiah can be the CM for five or ten years. But after him, DK Shivakumar will be the CM.”
“All those who had clarity on the leadership issue – the CM, DCM, Kharge and Surjewala have done it. CM has said both leaders will abide by the high command’s decision. The DCM has also said the CM’s chair is not vacant. There ends the matter,” said IT minister Priyank Kharge.
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Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna said, “Both the high command and MLAs are not ready to replace Siddaramaiah as the CM.
Union minister Prahalad Joshi mocked the ruling party and said, “Siddaramaiah keeps saying he is the CM. No other CM is forced to say that. CM says there is no power-sharing deal, but the deputy CM says there is one. Rahul Gandhi and Kharge should answer this question.”
Union minister V Somanna slammed the ruling Congress, saying both the CM and DCM were only misleading the people by creating “unnecessary” confusion repeatedly and suggested they should serve the people and focus on the state’s development.
