Speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived at Indira Bhavan in New Delhi for crucial discussions with the Congress high command.
Adding to the political intrigue, Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress chief D.K. Shivakumar smiled but declined to comment when asked by reporters whether he would be the next Chief Minister of the state.
Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretaries K.C. Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala at the AICC headquarters. A separate meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is also expected later in the day.
Before heading to Indira Bhavan, Siddaramaiah had breakfast at Karnataka Bhavan along with senior ministers G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, Byrathi Suresh, K.J. George and M.B. Patil. Senior Congress leader and Haryana in-charge B.K. Hariprasad, along with legal adviser Ponnanna, were also present.
Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi acknowledged ongoing uncertainty within the party and expressed hope that the high command would soon provide clarity.
“There has been confusion in the party for the past six months, and we are confident that it will be resolved soon. We have come to Delhi along with the Chief Minister, and discussions are yet to begin,” Jarkiholi said.
He added that leaders may also discuss the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and stressed that resolving leadership-related issues could help address other concerns within the party.
Jarkiholi said the entire party would abide by whatever decision is taken by the Congress leadership.
Congress MLC and senior leader B.K. Hariprasad maintained that there was no formal discussion on a leadership change but remarked that matters had reached a “final stage.”
Energy Minister K.J. George dismissed suggestions of internal turmoil, stating that Delhi remained the political centre where leaders frequently visited for consultations.
The meeting between the Congress high command, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar is being closely watched by party workers and political observers amid persistent rumours regarding a leadership transition in Karnataka.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar arrived in Delhi late Monday night after being called by the party leadership. Their respective camps are closely monitoring developments as the Congress attempts to address speculation over the state’s future political leadership.
Meanwhile, Industries Minister M.B. Patil, considered a close aide of Siddaramaiah, refrained from commenting on the outcome of the discussions, saying it would be inappropriate to speculate on the decisions of the party leadership.
