Political tensions escalate in Karnataka as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's visit to Delhi raises the stakes. Siddaramaiah is in Delhi for a pivotal meeting of the Congress Working Committee, a session considered crucial due to rising demands from Deputy CM DK Shivakumar's supporters to make him the next chief minister soon.
Prior to his departure, Siddaramaiah, speaking to reporters in Davanagere, confirmed his attendance at the Congress Working Committee meeting, emphasizing that trips to Delhi are not frequent. Earlier, in the assembly, he asserted that the party's top leadership backs him to complete his five-year tenure.
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Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the leadership issue, stating that all misconceptions will be clarified. When approached about the leadership resolution in Karnataka, Kharge assured that everything would soon be resolved, urging everyone not to worry.
What DK Shivakumar Said?
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismissed power change speculations outright. In Delhi, Shivakumar made it clear that the leadership change discussions exist solely in the media, devoid of any such talks within the party or government. He also noted that he is not scheduled to meet anyone nor intends to disturb anyone during this visit.
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Reflecting on his political journey, Shivakumar expressed his preference for serving as a party worker rather than holding any formal position, as he has consistently done since 1980 for Congress. However, his close associate and Congress legislator from Ramanagara, HA Iqbal Hussain, fueled the intrigue by hinting at leadership changes around January 6 or 9.
Upcoming Assembly Elections to be the Focus
Sources from the Chief Minister's office revealed that the Congress Working Committee meeting will likely sidestep discussions on Karnataka's leadership concerns. Instead, the primary agenda will center on strategizing for the impending assembly elections countrywide. Other attendees will include Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
