Amidst the leadership struggle in Karnataka Congress, sources from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) suggest that a decision on whether to change the Chief Minister will be made before the parliamentary session starting on December 1. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has requested an appointment with Sonia Gandhi and may travel to Delhi on November 29. Shivakumar has been trying to reach out to Rahul Gandhi for the past week, only to receive a WhatsApp message saying, 'Please wait, I will call you.'
In a dramatic turn, DK Shivakumar and PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi held a secret meeting at an undisclosed location late Tuesday night. Both leaders canceled their scheduled commitments to attend this rendezvous.
Jarkiholi, who is thought to be close to the Chief Minister, was trying to resolve the differences with Shivakumar.
Source: aajtak
Pressure Mounts on Congress High Command...
Supporters of DK Shivakumar have traveled to Delhi to press the Congress High Command to implement the 2023 'power-sharing' promise related to rotational chief ministership. This backdrop set the stage for Shivakumar and Jarkiholi's meeting, which focused on resolving their discord. Sources from Shivakumar’s camp reported that the talks continued well past midnight.
Read More: Will the Volcano Erupt in Karnataka Congress? Why is Rahul Gandhi Silent?
Strategy Ahead and OBC Support
In the past, both leaders had worked together as KPCC President and Executive President during the 2023 elections. It is understood that they discussed extensively the party's roadmap for 2028-2029 and the post-Siddaramaiah era, considering the Chief Minister is nearing the end of his political journey. Strengthening OBC support and establishing Jarkiholi as a key leader for the backward classes were central themes in their discussion.
Kharge's Visit and Shivakumar's Delhi Trip
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is set to visit Bengaluru this evening and will fly back to Delhi tomorrow. DK Shivakumar is also preparing to visit Delhi on November 29, seeking an appointment to meet Sonia Gandhi as she returns to the capital on the same day.
An Agreement Was Made...
Sources reveal that DK Shivakumar confided to Satish Jarkiholi about an agreement made in the presence of 5-6 senior leaders to transfer power 2.5 years later, which was not honored. Sources claim Satish's primary loyalty is to stand firmly with the Chief Minister during this crisis. His secondary stance is that he will comply if the High Command directs Siddaramaiah to step down.
Read More: Can Siddaramaiah Contain the Shivakumar Faction? Who Holds the Real Power in Karnataka's Seat Struggle?
According to the sources, Siddaramaiah is open to follow Rahul Gandhi, who has appointed him twice as Chief Minister. If Rahul advises a change, Siddaramaiah will comply. It's believed that Satish has told DK Shivakumar that if the High Command publicly announces the agreement between him and Siddaramaiah, it could resolve all confusion and ongoing crises.
