Congress High Command to Decide Karnataka Leadership
Amid growing speculation about Karnataka's chief ministerial position, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge clarified on November 27 that the final decision will emerge from collective discussions involving the party high command, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The political uncertainty surfaced as the Congress government completed two and a half years of its five-year term on November 20, triggering what many are calling the "November revolution" in state politics.
Kharge's Clarification on Decision-Making Process
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge emphasized that the decision-making process involves a team approach rather than individual authority. "When I said the issue will be decided by 'high command', it implied that it will be discussed by the team. There is team of people... the team will sit, discuss and then take a decision," Kharge explained. He specifically mentioned that Rahul Gandhi would participate in these crucial discussions alongside other key members.
The Congress president outlined the comprehensive nature of the upcoming deliberations: "I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion with all of these." This statement comes a day after Kharge indicated that the matter would be resolved following consultations with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Political Tensions and Public Statements
The political landscape in Karnataka has been charged with anticipation as supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have been actively campaigning for his elevation to the chief minister's position. Adding to the political drama, Shivakumar shared a cryptic social media post that many interpreted as a message to the party leadership.
On platform X, Shivakumar wrote: "Word power is world power. The biggest force in the world was to keep one's word. Be it a judge, president or anyone else, including myself, everyone has to walk the talk." This post, emphasizing the importance of keeping promises, has been widely seen as a subtle reminder to the Congress high command about potential commitments.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed the ongoing speculation as "unnecessary debate" while Shivakumar has repeatedly affirmed his loyalty to the Congress party. However, the deputy chief minister has also sought a meeting with senior leader Sonia Gandhi scheduled for November 29 to discuss the current political situation.
Legislature Party's Role in Decision Making
Adding another dimension to the leadership debate, senior Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna asserted that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) should ultimately decide the chief minister's position. Rajanna proposed a radical solution: "Let's dissolve (the Assembly) and face the elections. Then let's work together under the leadership of DK Shivakumar and come up with a majority. Then let him serve as the CM for 5 years."
The MLA reminded everyone that it was the CLP that originally elected Siddaramaiah as chief minister, suggesting the same body should make the current decision. This perspective highlights the internal party dynamics and differing opinions about who should ultimately determine Karnataka's political leadership.
As the Congress party navigates this delicate political situation, all eyes remain on the upcoming discussions that will shape Karnataka's governance for the remaining half of the current term. The outcome of these high-level meetings could significantly impact the party's prospects in the state and its broader national political strategy.
