The Congress high command is treading cautiously as the leadership crisis deepens in the Karnataka unit of the party. While Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's loyalists have flown to Delhi to pressure the high command for a leadership change, Siddaramaiah continues to maintain that he would be the chief minister for the entire five-year term.
The high command reportedly witnessed an unusual show of strength from MLAs loyal to Shivakumar, who flew to Delhi in chartered flights. While Shivakumar has refrained from commenting publicly on the leadership change, it needs to be seen whether the DKS camp will watch patiently for long.
Speaking to reporters at the Mandakalli Airport in Mysuru, a visibly irritated Siddaramaiah snapped when he was asked whether he would present the state budget next year. “Why are you asking this question? Yes, I will continue as chief minister and will also present the budget,” the chief minister said.
However, Siddaramaiah refused to comment on possible leadership change in the state and said everyone should abide by the directions of the high command. "Whatever they decide, we will follow. All must abide by the high command’s decision — MLAs, ministers, me, everyone," he said. Siddaramaiah is likely to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday in Bengaluru in the backdrop of the crisis.
Following Congress's landslide victory in the 2023 assembly polls, the high command managed to broker peace between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, and the leaders reportedly arrived at a broad understanding that Siddaramaiah would serve as chief minister for the first half of the regime, after which Shivakumar would take over.
While Shivakumar’s supporters urge the leadership to honour the promises, Siddaramaiah’s camp maintains that there was no such agreement. The leadership crisis comes amidst Shivakumar expressing willingness to step down as Karnataka Congress chief.
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However, Siddaramaiah downplayed the visit of Ministers N. Cheluvarayaswamy and Shivanand Patil to Delhi. The chief minister said he spoke with Cheluvarayaswamy and was told the latter was in Delhi to meet the Union agriculture minister.
However, Shivakumar maintained there is no power tussle. On visit of his supporters to Delhi, Shivakumar said all 140 MLAs are eligible to become ministers and the chief minister. The chief minister has said he will complete five years. I wish him all the best; we will work with him." |
