Karnataka Leadership Crisis Takes New Turn
The political landscape in Karnataka witnessed fresh developments on Friday as the Bharatiya Janata Party suggested that the Congress party might bypass both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to select a "dark horse" for the state's top position. This speculation emerges amid ongoing internal conflicts within the ruling party.
BJP's Perspective on the Crisis
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai addressed reporters, stating that both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are displaying "egoistic attitudes" that prevent compromise. "CM and Deputy CM both have a very egoistic attitude. They are not ready to budge an inch. Therefore, the high command is compelled to think of the other alternative. So in this context, a dark horse might emerge in the state," Bommai explained.
Mallikarjun Kharge Emerges as Potential Candidate
Amid the leadership deadlock, sections within the Karnataka Congress have reportedly proposed party chief Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the chief ministerial position. Minister Shivananda Patil described Kharge as the "most eligible person" for the role, acknowledging his past mistake of not supporting him earlier.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara added that if the party high command makes a decision, everyone would accept Kharge as chief minister. This development gains significance as the issue of having a Dalit chief minister has been long debated within Congress circles.
Historical Context and Current Speculations
According to PTI sources, Mallikarjun Kharge, a prominent Dalit leader in the party, has previously missed the opportunity to become chief minister on three occasions - in 1999 to S M Krishna, in 2004 to Dharam Singh, and in 2013 to Siddaramaiah.
The speculation about leadership change gained momentum after the government completed its halfway mark on November 20. Reports indicate that MLAs and MLCs from Shivakumar's faction have been camping in Delhi to lobby for his elevation to the chief minister's position.
Key Players Respond to Developments
Adding fuel to the speculation, DK Shivakumar claimed that there had been "a confidential understanding on leadership transition among five-six leaders" shortly after Congress secured a landslide victory in the 2023 elections.
Shivakumar confirmed his plans to travel to Delhi to meet the high command regarding the "power tussle" between him and Siddaramaiah. "I will definitely go to Delhi. It is our temple. Congress has a long history, and Delhi will always guide us. When they call me, party leaders and the CM, we will go there," he stated.
However, Priyank Kharge, Kharge's son and Karnataka minister, dismissed the speculation about his father becoming chief minister as "irrelevant."
Upcoming Crucial Meeting
All eyes are now on the anticipated meeting in Delhi on November 30, where Mallikarjun Kharge, along with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, is expected to meet both DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah to resolve the leadership impasse.
The political drama continues to unfold as Karnataka awaits a definitive resolution to the leadership question that could shape the state's political future.
