Karnataka Congress Leadership Drama: Will Siddaramaiah Step Down for Shivakumar?
Congress Leadership Talks Heat Up in Karnataka
New Delhi: The Congress party is expected to address its leadership dilemma in Karnataka following the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, according to insider sources. Despite a lengthy meeting involving key central and state leaders, the party has not publicly commented on the contentious leadership situation.
During the meeting, which included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and other prominent figures, the focus was officially on the Rajya Sabha and state council elections. However, discussions about the leadership struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar were also prominent.
Sources indicate that Kharge and Gandhi engaged in extensive discussions with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, suggesting that a decision regarding potential leadership changes may be made after the Rajya Sabha elections next month.
After the meeting, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal dismissed rumors of a leadership change as mere speculation.
Although the meeting was convened to finalize candidates for the elections, the ongoing rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar remained a focal point, especially since both leaders were called to Delhi.
Reports suggest that Shivakumar's camp is urging Siddaramaiah, who is 77, to resign, proposing a plan that includes offering him a Rajya Sabha seat, which he has yet to accept.
At the heart of the leadership conflict is Shivakumar's insistence on being appointed as chief minister, a demand his supporters claim is based on a promise made during the 2023 state assembly elections, alongside concerns regarding Siddaramaiah's age.
Amidst growing speculation, some media outlets have suggested that a leadership change could occur soon.
Both leaders arrived in the capital with their respective MLA supporters. Following the party meeting, Siddaramaiah held discussions with ministers aligned with him.
Venugopal reiterated that the meeting's primary focus was the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections, stating, "Any speculation regarding leadership changes is unfounded. We only discussed the Rajya Sabha and Council seats for Karnataka."
He confirmed that candidates for these elections would be announced alongside those from other states like Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
When asked about leadership changes, Siddaramaiah also labeled it as speculation, firmly stating, "No" when questioned about discussions on this topic.
Regarding a potential cabinet reshuffle, he mentioned that it was not part of the discussions.
In Karnataka, four Rajya Sabha seats are becoming vacant, with Congress expected to secure three, while the BJP is likely to win one. Kharge's seat will be vacated in June, and he is anticipated to be re-elected.
The party may also consider nominating Shivakumar's brother, D K Suresh, for a Rajya Sabha seat, along with a female or OBC candidate. Suresh has previously served as a Rajya Sabha member.
Additionally, Congress leaders are reportedly discussing candidates for the legislative council, with expectations of winning four out of seven available seats based on their current assembly strength.