Congress MLA Claims Strong Legislative Support for DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister
In a significant development within the Karnataka Congress, legislator Iqbal Hussain publicly criticized Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Tuesday for his recent statements regarding the ongoing tussle for the chief minister's post. Hussain asserted that a substantial bloc of "80-90" Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) has thrown its weight behind Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, actively urging the party's high command in New Delhi to install him as the state's chief executive.
Public Criticism and Calls for Party Discipline
Hussain, who represents the Ramanagara constituency in the assembly, expressed his views to ANI, emphasizing the need for internal party decorum. "We are a disciplined party, and we must behave decently," he stated. "We don't like him (Yathindra) frequently speaking in favour of his father and embarrassing the high command. Love for one's father is one thing, but in politics, we must act with discipline. He should not be provoking others with such remarks."
This criticism comes in response to comments made by Yathindra Siddaramaiah last week, where he claimed the party high command had already "settled" the leadership issue, deciding that his father, Siddaramaiah, would continue as chief minister for the full term.
Widespread Legislative Backing for Shivakumar
Detailing the support for Shivakumar, Hussain revealed, "Some 80-90 MLAs have requested the high command to give Shivakumar a chance (at the CM post) and we have left it for the high command." He further elaborated, "We all believe Shivakumar should be given a chance. Everyone wants it to happen, but we shouldn't create confusion with conflicting remarks. That's why everyone is quiet. I say with an open heart, as I said from the first day, that DK Shivakumar must be given a chance."
This sentiment found resonance with other party members. Channaraj Hattiholi, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), echoed Hussain's stance, explicitly stating, "DK Shivakumar should be made CM in this tenure."
Senior Leaders Urge Restraint and Unity
Amidst these public declarations of support, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar adopted a more measured approach. Before departing for New Delhi, he downplayed the escalating comments, simply stating, "Let us ask the high command." He also issued a call for party discipline, urging Congress members to refrain from making public statements on the sensitive leadership issue "in the interest of the party."
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a similar appeal from Bengaluru, cautioning that such public discourse on the matter only serves to harm the party's unity and public image. The concurrent calls for restraint from both senior leaders highlight the internal efforts to manage the situation and present a united front.
The unfolding scenario underscores the persistent undercurrents within the Karnataka Congress regarding the chief ministerial position, with a significant faction of legislators now publicly advocating for a leadership change in favor of DK Shivakumar, while the party's top brass seeks to maintain order and defer the final decision to the central leadership in Delhi.
