Karnataka Congress Leadership Crisis: Shivakumar Brothers Meet High Command Over CM Pact
In a significant political development, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his brother, former MP DK Suresh, held late-night meetings with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge and organisational general secretary KC Venugopal in New Delhi. These discussions have drawn intense scrutiny amid renewed speculation over a potential change in the chief minister's position in Karnataka.
Strategic Meetings Amidst Election Preparations
Shivakumar was initially in Delhi to attend a strategy meeting for the upcoming Assam assembly elections. However, he stayed back after the meeting concluded and engaged in separate discussions with Kharge and Venugopal. Notably, he did not meet with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi during this visit.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Shivakumar brothers conveyed to the party leadership that delays in implementing a reported power-sharing pact are adversely affecting the Congress party's image. This pact, as per reports, stipulates that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was expected to hand over the post to Shivakumar at the halfway mark of the government's five-year tenure. The brothers argued that such delays could potentially hurt the party's prospects in the upcoming local body elections, as well as the Bagalkot and Davanagere South assembly bypolls.
Objections and High Command's Response
In addition to the pact issue, the sources revealed that the brothers objected to the high command's failure to restrain Siddaramaiah's son, Yathindra, who has made public remarks perceived as against the party's interests. Yathindra, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), recently stated that his father would serve as chief minister for the full five-year term, contradicting the alleged pact.
In response, Kharge and Venugopal did not commit to any specific timeline regarding a possible leadership transition. They emphasized that the issue requires a collective decision from the party leadership. Following the meetings, both Shivakumar and Suresh declined to comment on the discussions when approached by reporters.
Public Statements and Reactions
Earlier, DK Suresh publicly urged Siddaramaiah to "keep his word" and step down from the chief minister's post. When questioned about his earlier remarks on the alleged pact, Suresh told reporters, "Even today, I hope that, though delayed, he (Siddaramaiah) will keep his word."
Shivakumar had also alluded to the pact on Tuesday, asserting that there was "no confusion" on the issue and that he and Siddaramaiah had "discussed the matter in the presence of the Congress high command."
Reacting to Suresh's remarks, Siddaramaiah reiterated that both he and Shivakumar would abide by the party high command's decision. He stated, "The high command is aware, they will decide. I will abide by their decision. How many times should I tell you (reporters) this?" He further expressed frustration, adding, "You (reporters) keep asking me the same thing. Don't you have anything else to ask?"
Broader Implications and Party Dynamics
Meanwhile, DK Suresh clarified that Shivakumar's visit to Delhi and his meeting with the party brass should not be viewed through a "personal lens." He emphasized, "While some meet the high command for personal favours, Shivakumar is not such a character."
Taking a swipe at Yathindra over his recent comments, Suresh remarked, "I'm not as influential or knowledgeable as he is. Whatever he says is final." He also backed Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain, who questioned why he was issued a party notice for speaking on the issue while Yathindra faced no such action. Suresh asserted, "Party policy should be the same for all." Hussain had been served a notice for publicly endorsing Shivakumar for the chief minister's post.
This series of events underscores the ongoing internal tensions within the Karnataka Congress, as key figures navigate leadership disputes and party discipline ahead of critical electoral challenges.
