Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence on Thursday, further fueling speculation regarding the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding the Chief Minister's position in the state.
Bengaluru: Discussions of a leadership crisis within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka have once again gained momentum. Speculation regarding the Chief Minister's post has intensified following the recent meeting between Deputy Chief Minister and Pradesh Congress Committee President D.K. Shivakumar and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. While Shivakumar has explicitly denied any political or leadership-related discussions, the meeting occurred as the state government completes its first two and a half years in office, with ongoing discussions about power balance.
Shivakumar Denies Political Discussions
D.K. Shivakumar stated that his meeting was entirely limited to policy matters. He explained that he had gone to register his objections to the central government's proposal to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) with a new law, the VB-GRAMG Act, as the state Congress unit president. Shivakumar said, “I did not discuss any political post or leadership change. There is no need for it, nor is there such an issue at present.”
He also reiterated that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will jointly respect the decisions of the Congress High Command. “Both of us have made it clear that we will abide by whatever decision the party leadership takes,” Shivakumar said.
“Whether there is a post or not, I will remain a party worker” - Shivakumar
Describing himself as a lifelong party worker, Shivakumar said his struggle is for the organization, not for any position. He said, “Whether there is a post or not, I will remain a Congress worker. I have put up posters, swept floors, and worked for the party at the grassroots level. I did not come into politics just to deliver speeches on stage.”
When asked about the “reward” for his long political struggle, he deflected the question, saying he did not want to comment on such matters.
Leadership Change Discussions Increase After Halfway Mark
The Congress government in Karnataka completed half of its five-year term on November 20th. Since then, speculation regarding the Chief Minister's post has increased. Political analysts believe that confusion persists regarding the alleged power-sharing agreement made before the elections and the 2.5-year formula.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified in the Assembly that he will remain in office and has the support of the party High Command. He also stated that there was no formal decision to remain Chief Minister for only 2.5 years.
Kharge's Statement and Internal Message
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently stated that the confusion regarding leadership in the Karnataka Congress is at the local level, not within the party High Command. He appealed to state leaders to take responsibility for internal differences. Reacting to this, Shivakumar said that Kharge has provided guidance as a senior leader.
Shivakumar also accused the central government of weakening MGNREGA. He said that by removing Mahatma Gandhi's name and imposing a 40 percent financial burden on the states, an attempt is being made to effectively terminate the scheme. “This is against the interests of the poor, laborers, and farmers. Even BJP-ruled states will not be able to implement this model,” he said.
