Amid ongoing discussions regarding the next Chief Minister of Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar commented on the escalating power struggle within the state on Thursday.
In remarks reported by ANI, Shivakumar stated, “There is nothing there. I don’t want to comment on it. Whatever the party says, we will work together.” The internal strife among the ruling party has intensified as speculation mounts regarding the chief minister’s position following the Congress government reaching the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. This comes amid allegations of a “power-sharing” agreement from 2023 involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the current Chief Minister, affirmed that Siddaramaiah is effectively managing the administration and enjoys the support of the MLAs. He indicated that there have been no complaints against his father and dismissed any notions linking him to corruption, as reported by PTI.
He further stated that the decision on leadership changes lies with the Congress high command, noting, “Whatever the high command decides is final. So it won’t be right on our part to comment before the high command says anything.” When questioned about Siddaramaiah’s tenure, Yathindra expressed confidence that a change in the chief ministership was unlikely, given the absence of complaints against Siddaramaiah.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi emphasized the need for the government to continue its work in fulfilling promises made to the electorate, noting that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, along with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, have indicated that the high command will make the final decision. She contrasted this with the BJP’s tendency to overhaul its cabinet, asserting that the Congress is engaged in a democratic process for decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Federation of Backwards Class Communities (KSFBCC) cautioned the Congress party that any attempt to remove Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid internal conflicts could carry negative repercussions for the party. KSFBCC president K.M. Ramachandrappa voiced the distress of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits concerning the ongoing developments.
He referenced comments made by L. Srinivas, president of the Karnataka Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha, who suggested that the Congress high command should reward Shivakumar for his efforts in securing the party’s victory.
In response, BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud criticized the Congress over its internal power struggles, characterizing the conflict as one of “power and paisa” that adversely affects Karnataka’s economy. He alleged that national leaders within the Congress are instigating a rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to extract financial gains under the guise of promising the chief ministership.
Siddaramaiah previously dismissed the ongoing debate regarding the chief minister’s post as “unnecessary,” attributing recent discussions to a potential cabinet reshuffle. He stated that senior party leaders would ultimately decide on any such changes, noting that two of Karnataka’s 34 ministerial positions remain vacant and will be addressed during this process.
Shivakumar reiterated his commitment to the Congress party and dismissed rumors of his resignation as President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). He has requested a meeting with party leader Sonia Gandhi on November 29 to discuss the current situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
