Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Get Ready To Meet Congress High Command

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reportedly engaged in a tussle over power-sharing, are bracing up for a meeting with central party leadership to decide. A meeting with Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar by central leadership has been confirmed by president of All India Congress Committee (AICC), Mallikarjun Kharge in a bid to resolve the confusion prevailing over power-sharing.

Both leaders have stated they have not yet been summoned by the central leadership to meet them in New Delhi over power-sharing, but agreed to attend the meeting when fixed.

In Bengaluru, president of All India Congress Committee, Mallikarjun Kharge, told reporters he will hold a discussion, which will be attended by Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other leaders, before a decision is announced on power-sharing in Karnataka. He, however, did not specify the date on which the meeting will be held but sources said the meeting would take place on Saturday.

The contention is that Siddaramaiah is demanding for a cabinet reshuffle and Shivakumar a change of guard. Shivakumar claims an unwritten power-sharing agreement between him and Siddaramaiah reached in May 2023, according to which Siddaramaiah will serve as CM for the first two-and-a-half years, and the remaining term to be handed over to Shivakumar. Presently, Siddaramaiah has completed two and a half years.

Over power-sharing, Shivakumar said, “I am not claiming anything right now. In the interest of the party, we all will work together, and the success of the party is more important than individual aspirations.”

Congress MLA Dr Yatheendra, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stated his father will abide by his promise he has made to the central leadership in reference to unwritten power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly under pressure from his supporters, especially former minister K.N. Rajanna. Ministers-Venkatesh, Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, among a couple of others urged Siddaramaiah not to make way for Shivakumar to become the Chief Minister.

A staunch supporter of Siddaramaiah, K.N. Rajanna, stated Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi a couple of days back and Congress leader B.K. Hariprasad had a discussion with Rahul Gandhi but D.K. Shivakumar was not given an appointment by Rahul Gandhi for a meeting in New Delhi and the development is an indication that central leadership has some reservations against Shivakumar.

“It is better Shivakumar understood that high command is unhappy with him,” Rajanna said.

Meanwhile, Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, pontiff of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, stated he wished D.K. Shivakumar becoming the Chief Minister while religious leaders reportedly backing Siddaramaiah to continue as Chief Minister expressed displeasure over the statement by Adichunchanagiri pontiff.

“It is not right on part of religious leaders to intervene in political party affairs,” said seer attached to Kaginele Mutt.

State Vokkaligara Sangha members pitched their support for D.K. Shivakumar who belongs to the Vokkaliga community while members of various backward classes organisations expressed their support for Siddaramaiah. Backward Class members stated “There are no reasons for the Congress central leadership to initiate a change in guard in Karnataka” and stated “Backward classes have stood by Congress party in making a comeback in 2023.”