The ongoing struggle within the Congress in Karnataka over the Chief Minister's post and power continues. In the midst of this, former Chief Minister and current MLA Siddaramaiah has unequivocally highlighted the role of the party high command.
New Delhi: The power struggle within the Congress in Karnataka over the Chief Minister's post and change of governance is still ongoing. On Tuesday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah once again reiterated his stance on abiding by the party high command's decision.
Siddaramaiah stated that the party high command must end the ongoing confusion regarding the Chief Minister's post in the state. He also reiterated that he would abide by the high command's decision concerning a change in CM, and that MLAs are free to meet the party leadership to share their views.
Siddaramaiah's Clear Message
Siddaramaiah said that MLAs can share their opinions with the party leadership, but the final decision will rest with the high command. He also added that MLAs traveling to Delhi are doing so under their own volition. This statement conveyed a clear message that he would not be influenced by any political pressure at the state level and that the word of the party's central leadership is supreme.
Speculations regarding the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka intensified when the state's Congress government completed half of its five-year term on November 20. Amidst this, discussions about an alleged ‘power-sharing’ agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also emerged. It is being said that the Chief Minister's post might be handed over to DK Shivakumar for the next two and a half years.
MLAs' Visit to Delhi and Meeting with the High Command
According to sources, six Congress MLAs went to Delhi on November 23 to show support for Shivakumar. Additionally, some more MLAs might soon meet with the top leadership. Prior to this, about ten MLAs had met AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge last week. After Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar also met Kharge. During this meeting, he even drove Kharge to the airport from Bengaluru, whereas he had not had a private meeting with him before. This clearly indicates that both factions are actively trying to reach out to the high command.
Siddaramaiah wants a cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar desires a decision on changing the Chief Minister first. If the high command approves the cabinet reshuffle, it would imply that Siddaramaiah will complete the entire five-year term, thereby weakening Shivakumar's chances of becoming CM.
These political equations are further complicating the power struggle within the Karnataka Congress. The high command's decision could impact not only the Chief Minister's post but also the future political stability and electoral strategy in the state.
