Political tension surrounding the Chief Minister's chair in Karnataka has escalated once again. Recent developments at Mangaluru airport indicate that the power struggle within the party is still ongoing.
Mangaluru: The contention over the Chief Minister's position in Karnataka has resurfaced. Recently, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar held a joint press conference, assuring that they would abide by the high command's directives and that there was no disagreement between them. However, on Wednesday, upon the arrival of All India Congress Committee General Secretary K.C. Venugopal in Mangaluru, supporters of Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar began chanting slogans against each other right in front of him at the airport. First, slogans were raised in support of D.K. Shivakumar, and then, in retaliation, Siddaramaiah's supporters chanted slogans. Siddaramaiah's supporters raised slogans like ‘‘Full term for CM Siddaramaiah’’.
Controversy Upon K.C. Venugopal's Arrival
All India Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal visited Mangaluru to participate in the centenary celebrations of the Narayana Guru-Mahatma Gandhi dialogue. The event was organized by Mangalore University. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, several cabinet ministers, and senior Congress leaders were present at the ceremony.
As soon as Venugopal exited the airport terminal, D.K. Shivakumar's supporters began chanting loudly. Immediately afterwards, CM Siddaramaiah's supporters arrived and also raised slogans. Siddaramaiah's supporters chanted: “Siddhu, Siddhu, Purn Karyakal Siddhu”, which means that Siddaramaiah should get a full term.
Clash Between Supporters
This incident in Mangaluru is reminiscent of last week's press conference, where Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar claimed unity. Both leaders had clarified that they would follow the directives of the party high command and that there were no disagreements. However, the slogan-chanting by supporters at the airport indicates that party workers still have differing preferences regarding power. Mithun Rai, a leader of the D.K. Shivakumar supporter faction, stated that this is not a "rival faction" but rather that many party workers wish to see D.K. Shivakumar become CM. He described it as the workers' natural affection towards D.K. Shivakumar.
A few days prior, at the press conference, both leaders had stated that they would keep the party and the government of Karnataka b and united. Siddaramaiah had said that party unity is paramount and that he would always work together with D.K. Shivakumar. D.K. Shivakumar also assured that there would be no differences in the party's working style or decision-making.
