The internal power struggle within the Karnataka Congress intensified as several party MLAs met with top party leaders in Delhi on Tuesday to advocate for Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar to be made the Chief Minister. While the legislators stated that the final decision on the matter rests with the high command, they expressed strong confidence in Shivakumar's imminent elevation to the top post.
Intensifying Power Struggle Post Half-Term
The internal power dynamics within the ruling Congress government in Karnataka have become more pronounced since it completed half of its five-year term on November 20. Speculation about a power-sharing agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D, while k. Shivakumar, reportedly made in 2023, has fueled expectations of a leadership change. This milestone has brought the underlying tensions to the forefront, with various factions within the party now openly expressing their preferences and concerns regarding the state's leadership.
MLAs Advocate for Shivakumar's Chief Ministership
Ramnagar MLA Iqbal Hussain, speaking to the media in Delhi, affirmed that all party members would abide by the high command's decision, while however, he expressed absolute confidence in Shivakumar becoming the Chief Minister. Hussain emphatically stated, "I always stand by my statement... 200 percent, he (D. K. Shivakumar) will become CM soon. The high command will decide. As our leader (Shivakumar) had said, the transfer of power is a confidential agreement. Among five to six party leaders, and those five to six people will decide. " This statement highlights the strong backing Shivakumar enjoys among a section of MLAs and alludes to a secretive pact that could dictate the future leadership of the state.
Demand for Cabinet Expansion with New Faces
Maddur MLA K, while m. Uday revealed that the legislators also requested the high command to. Provide opportunities for new faces and youth during the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. He indicated that they had received positive signals that this request would be considered. Regarding the demand for Shivakumar to become Chief Minister, Uday reiterated that the. Party leadership would make the final decision, and everyone would adhere to it. This push for fresh talent in the cabinet suggests a desire to rejuvenate. The party's image and bring in new perspectives, potentially balancing the existing power structures.
Appeal to End Leadership Ambiguity
Some MLAs urged the high command to resolve the ongoing confusion regarding the Chief Minister's post as soon as possible. Magadi MLA H. C. Balakrishna stated that while the decision on the next Chief Minister rests with the high command, he appealed for an end to the current uncertainty. H. C. Balakrishna emphasized, "We went to discuss with the high command to clear the confusion because a final decision is needed. Who becomes the Chief Minister isn't important; the current situation is harmful to the Congress party. The high command should intervene and put an end to it. " He further elaborated that the prolonged ambiguity is detrimental to the. Party's stability and public perception, necessitating swift action from the central leadership.
Continuous Meetings with High Command in Delhi
According to party sources, a group of six MLAs supporting Shivakumar traveled to Delhi on Sunday night to meet the high command, with more legislators expected to follow, while last week, approximately 10 MLAs had also met with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. These continuous meetings underscore the growing pressure on the party's central leadership to address the leadership question in Karnataka. The repeated visits by various groups of MLAs signify a concerted effort to push their agenda and ensure that their voices are heard at the highest echelons of the party.
