The controversy over Congress leadership in Karnataka is intensifying. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Kharge in Delhi and clarified that there was no discussion about a leadership change. There is a demand within the party to replace the state president.
Karnataka: Clarifying the situation regarding the growing factionalism and power struggle within the Congress in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that there has been no discussion about any change in the party leadership. After meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, Siddaramaiah said that this issue is not even on the high command's agenda. However, disagreements and lobbying within the Congress regarding the post of state president are constantly intensifying.
Meeting with the Congress High Command in Delhi
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had been staying in Delhi for the past few days. Both leaders tried to meet the top leadership of the Congress, but did not get time to meet Rahul Gandhi. On Friday, Siddaramaiah met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Speaking to the media after this meeting, Siddaramaiah said, "There has been no discussion about leadership change. I have clarified several times that this issue is not before the Congress high command. I will complete a five-year term."
Demand raised regarding the post of state president
Internal turmoil is continuing within the party regarding the post of President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). From the Siddaramaiah camp, the name of Satish Jarkiholi has been put forward to replace the current president D.K. Shivakumar. Satish is currently the Public Works Minister in the state government and belongs to the ST community. The Siddaramaiah camp wants the state president to be changed by August or September.
MLAs divided into opposition and support camps
On the issue of the state president's post, the MLAs of the Congress have been divided into two camps. Leaders like MLA Iqbal Hussain, C.P. Yogeshwar, Uday Gowda, and Tanveer Sait are in favor of a leadership change. On the other hand, leaders like Satish Jarkiholi, Mahadevappa, and Zameer Ahmed are currently opposing the change. The debate within the party has intensified as to whether the same person (D.K. Shivakumar) can handle both the responsibilities of Deputy Chief Minister and State President.
Challenge of balancing power and organization
This situation is becoming challenging for the Congress high command. On the one hand, it is engaged in preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, while on the other hand, it is also necessary to balance the party organization and power in the states. With Shivakumar holding both responsible positions in Karnataka, questions are being raised as to why other leaders in the organization are not getting a chance.
Meeting with Rahul Gandhi could not happen
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar had come to Delhi and tried to meet Rahul Gandhi, but they could not get time. This also indicates that the top leadership is not giving immediate priority to this issue. However, after the meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge, a political message was definitely sent that the party leadership is keeping an eye on the situation.
Siddaramaiah claims to complete his term
Siddaramaiah has made it clear that he will complete his five-year term as Chief Minister. He reiterated on Thursday that he would remain the Chief Minister for the entire term and there is no question of leadership change. This statement is seen as a clear message to his supporters and party workers.
