Karnataka Congress Leaders Pin Hope on Central Leaders to Clear Things
Shivakumar reportedly kept pressure on the central leadership for a change of guard, reminding the central leadership of the power-sharing pact between him and Siddaramaiah reached in May, 2023 to divide two-and-half years rule between them. However, Siddaramaiah is said to be hell bent on cabinet reshuffle.
Bengaluru: Supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and loyalists to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar keep their fingers crossed after Shivakumar received a communication from Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi wanting the latter to “wait’ before the central leadership arrived at a decision whether to opt for change of guard or to initiate steps for cabinet rejig.
Shivakumar reportedly kept pressure on the central leadership for a change of guard, reminding the central leadership of the power-sharing pact between him and Siddaramaiah reached in May, 2023 to divide two-and-half years rule between them. However, Siddaramaiah is said to be hell bent on cabinet reshuffle.
Amid power tussle between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi dashed off a message to Shivakumar “Please wait, I will call you back.” When queried over the message to him from Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru “I can’t disclose the details” and stated “No need for me to inform you all.”
D.K. Shivakumar told media persons he will be leaving for New Delhi to discuss with central leaders on filling-up of four MLC posts after a couple of days and stated “I am a Congressman by birth” clearing things over speculations that he would desert the Congress party.
On an unwritten power-sharing pact, Shivakumar said “I don’t wish to speak on political issues before the media” and stated “It is matter to be discussed within four walls of the party.”
One of the loyalists to Shivakumar and Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain expressed confidence in sharing cheerful news in a couple of days. The MLAs and Ministers identified with Siddaramaiah urge the central leaders to clear things on change of leadership.
If sources are to be believed, Congress central leadership is likely to arrive at a decision on change of leadership by December 1 and Rahul Gandhi reportedly has taken note of the pros and cons of initiating a change of guard in Karnataka so as not to harm the party chances of retaining power in 2028 Assembly elections.
If Siddaramaiah enjoys backing of especially backward classes/minorities, Shivakumar belongs to the politically dominant Vokkaliga community comprising a major chunk of voters in Old Mysuru region, leaders have informed Rahul Gandhi.