What Decision Has Been Made? CM to Update Soon: Shivakumar on K'taka Leadership
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru, Feb 17 (NationPress) The ongoing crisis within the Karnataka Congress has intensified following Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar's declaration that a decision regarding leadership has been made, with CM Siddaramaiah set to announce it at the right moment.
These comments made on Tuesday are expected to stir discussions within the ruling Congress party in the state.
Shivakumar mentioned, “In relation to the leadership matter, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I have conferred. You will receive clarity at the appropriate time concerning the leadership decision.”
When questioned about Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa’s remarks, which seemed to indirectly criticize MLAs supporting him by likening them to dogs, Shivakumar responded, “I do not wish to engage with Minister H.C. Mahadevappa's statement. I have already expressed my views, and CM Siddaramaiah has also commented. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge has also made a statement. The decision regarding leadership was reached following discussions among myself, CM Siddaramaiah, and the high command.”
Shivakumar added, “There is nothing secretive about this. CM Siddaramaiah will provide the answer and communicate the message to the people of the state when the time is right.”
When asked if he was hinting that the high command had deliberated on a leadership change, Shivakumar retorted, “I am not inclined to answer that question. I will make any statements I choose to make.”
On the subject of the foreign trip taken by Congress legislators, Shivakumar noted, “I am unaware of any tour schedule. I do not know if they are traveling abroad in a personal capacity, if someone is arranging it, or if someone is funding the trip. That is between those sending and those traveling. As the state president, I am not informed about it.”
Congress sources indicated that supporters of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have embarked on the foreign trip to mitigate the leadership issue raised by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and his followers.
Through his comments, Shivakumar suggested that a decision regarding a leadership shift was made in consultation with the party’s national leadership.
He reiterated that CM Siddaramaiah would address the matter at an appropriate time. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has asserted that he will follow the high command’s decision, while his supporters insist that he will serve his full term.