Waiting For Call From High Command, Says DyCM

BENGALURU: “We are waiting for a call from the high command,” said Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, a front runner to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The meeting with central leadership by Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah assumes significance since both the leaders after mutual discussions entrusted the task of deciding on change of guard in Karnataka to central leaders.

“I will keep you posted and nothing will happen without bringing to the notice of the media persons,” he said on the date on which he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will meet central leaders in New Delhi. Continuing, he said, “I won’t go to New Delhi secretly.”

Commenting on his and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s visit to New Delhi, Shivakumar said “Central leaders have called both of us and informed us they will decide on the date to meet the central leaders. We will both go.”

In November both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah made warring statements on change of leadership in Karnataka. Shivakumar reportedly insisted for a change of guard as per an unwritten agreement reached in May, 2023 that Siddaramaiah will serve as Chief Minister for the first two-and-half years and later hand over the power. Siddaramaiah, reportedly under pressure from his close aides, wished to continue as Chief Minister for the remaining term as well leading to power tussle in Karnataka.

Having completed two-and-half years in November, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed an unwritten power sharing agreement reached between him and Shivakumar.

Before they intervene in the matter, central leaders wanted Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah to engage in mutual discussions to arrive at an amicable decision. On the direction of the central leaders, Siddarmaiah hosted a breakfast for Shivakumar and in turn Shivakumar invited Siddaramaiah for breakfast at his residence.

Unable to decide for themselves, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar announced to leave the matter of change of guard to central leaders to decide. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed Shivakumar would ascend the post of Chief Minister on January 6 and in case the date is missed for some reason, then, his coronation as Chief Minister will take place on January 9. Reacting to Iqbal Hussain’s statement, Shivakumar wanted the statement on his coronation to be ignored.