Karnataka Political Turmoil: Key Meetings Ahead for CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar

The political landscape in Karnataka is buzzing with activity as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar prepare for a crucial meeting with party leaders. Reports indicate that the two are expected to meet Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday evening. Although both leaders have stated that their trip to Delhi is for official purposes, the context of potential leadership changes and signs of discontent among ministers and legislators make this meeting significant.

 

D.K. Shivakumar, who recently mentioned that he has no choice but to support Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserted on Tuesday that the chief minister's position is not vacant. Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, he responded to inquiries about whether some legislators had proposed his name for the chief minister role, stating that the position is currently filled, making it an inappropriate time for such discussions.

Meanwhile, despite directives from the party leadership, state Congress leaders continue to voice their opinions on the leadership issue. Congress legislator C.P. Yogeshwar expressed his desire to see Shivakumar as the chief minister during a media interaction on Tuesday. He claimed that all legislators from the region support Shivakumar for the chief minister position, indicating no disagreements on this matter. Yogeshwar added, "The people of the region also desire this."

 

Yogeshwar further stated, "We, the legislators, are demanding this. The party leadership must make a decision. I do not seek a ministerial position; I only want Shivakumar to become the chief minister." Shivakumar refrained from making any comments while departing from Bengaluru to Delhi this morning. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also set to travel to Delhi on Wednesday morning, where he will meet Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Sources have confirmed that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will meet Gandhi on Wednesday night, although it remains unclear whether these meetings will be held together or separately.