The call for a power transition in Karnataka is manifesting into rebellion. A procession of MLAs, backing Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's demand for a chief ministerial change, continues to move toward Delhi. Two batches are already in the capital, and now the third one has joined, reportedly comprising six to eight legislators.
Sources reveal that Shivakumar's camp demands the Congress leadership clarify their stance on related issues. This persistent assembly of MLAs in Delhi, seeking audiences, marks the third occurrence in a week. Their persistent presence has escalated the political temperature all the way from Bengaluru to the heart of the nation.
While Shivakumar loyalists remain stationed in Delhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is in Bengaluru. He was expected to return to Delhi but has postponed and remains in Bengaluru, engaged in continuous meetings with senior state leaders.
The flurry of meetings in Bengaluru and the march of Shivakumar supporters to Delhi spotlight the unrest within Karnataka Congress. This agitation has compounded tensions for the party's leadership, which is adopting a cautious, deliberate approach to resolve the issue. Before Kharge's Karnataka visit, a dinner meeting also voiced demands for clarity from the leadership.
Given the ongoing turmoil, leaders are maintaining a guarded silence, although DK Shivakumar recently claimed, 'All legislators are loyal to me.' Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah's faction in Bengaluru is also gaining momentum. Monday morning saw Siddaramaiah convening a session with his trusted ministers.
Attendees included Ministers G. Parameshwara, H.C. Mahadevappa, and Zameer Ahmed Khan, along with legal adviser A.S. Ponnanna. This private meeting, held at Siddaramaiah's Cauvery residence, stretched over 30 minutes. Post discussions, CM Siddaramaiah set off for Chikballapur.
