Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a significant appeal to the Congress party leadership on Tuesday, urging them to clarify the ongoing confusion regarding leadership transition in Karnataka. Speaking in Bengaluru, the CM emphasized that the final decision must come from the central leadership while confirming he has no immediate plans to meet party leader Rahul Gandhi.
Confidential Understanding Revealed
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar added fuel to the political speculation by confirming that a confidential understanding on leadership transition exists among five to six key leaders. This revelation came shortly after the Congress party's landslide victory in the 2023 state elections.
Speaking from his home constituency of Kanakapura, Shivakumar directly referenced the alleged power pact but maintained secrecy about its specifics. "This is confidential. I don't want to speak publicly on this," he stated, leaving room for interpretation about the nature of this understanding.
High Command's Decisive Role
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing reporters outside his residence, reinforced that the high command would ultimately decide the chief minister's position. "I have nothing to say. You have been standing here for three days straight. There is nothing to say about the developments happening here. Whatever happens, the high command will do it. It is not required to worry too much about it," Kharge remarked.
Amid the growing political buzz, an interesting development occurred when sadhus from Varanasi visited Bengaluru on Monday to extend their blessings to Shivakumar. One of the spiritual leaders explained, "We have come from Kashi. We gave him our blessings," while conveying prayers for the welfare of Karnataka's people.
Multiple Contenders Emerge
Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated that he remains in the race for chief minister, recalling his previous tenure as KPCC president in 2013. Speaking about a recent dinner hosted by Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi for Dalit community leaders, Parameshwara revealed that the gathering included discussions on political and departmental issues.
"We are all like-minded. The fight over internal reservation is over. Should we not discuss our problems?" he questioned, asserting his consistent presence in the CM race.
Earlier, Siddaramaiah had attempted to downplay speculation about leadership change, describing it as an "unnecessary debate" linked to discussions about a cabinet reshuffle. The chief minister clarified that senior party leadership would make final decisions, noting that two of the 34 ministerial posts remain vacant.
The political landscape in Karnataka continues to evolve as key players position themselves while awaiting definitive word from the Congress high command regarding the state's leadership future.
