Is There a Leadership Crisis in Karnataka? Siddaramaiah Reacts to Delhi Inquiry as Shivakumar Heads to Mumbai
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah shows frustration with repeated media inquiries.
- Shivakumar travels to Mumbai amidst leadership speculation.
- AICC President Kharge plans to summon both leaders to Delhi.
- Political dynamics in Karnataka are evolving rapidly.
- Leadership support remains strong for Siddaramaiah.
Bengaluru, Nov 27 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed frustration on Thursday when reporters inquired about a potential trip to Delhi amidst the ongoing leadership struggle. He sharply questioned why journalists were repeating the same query since morning.
In a related turn of events, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar is en route to Mumbai, amplifying speculation within political circles.
While responding to questions at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah snapped at the media, stating: "I already addressed this in the morning, and yet you keep asking the same question."
When pressed for further details, he added: "I can’t heed or act on everything the media suggests."
Earlier in the day, regarding AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar being summoned to Delhi for resolution, the Chief Minister mentioned he would travel to Delhi if requested. He further stated: "Let them (the high command) summon us."
Simultaneously, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, addressing rumors about an alleged call to Delhi, clarified: "No one has contacted me for Delhi yet. I’m heading to Mumbai for a private event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Anganwadi initiative initiated by Indira Gandhi, and I will return by Thursday night."
He continued, "I’m departing for Mumbai this evening and will be back tonight."
It’s noteworthy that following AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's announcement regarding the power-sharing matter, both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar confirmed on Thursday that they would travel to Delhi if summoned by the high command.
In a significant update, Congress President Kharge mentioned on Thursday morning that both leaders will be called to Delhi, where the issue will be amicably resolved after discussions with senior leaders.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru prior to his departure to Delhi, Kharge stated, “We will convene three to four leaders and conduct meetings. This issue will be settled. Discussions will occur in everyone's presence, and a decision will follow.”
While attending an event at his residence ‘Krishna’, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated his willingness to go to Delhi if summoned, affirming that he would respect the high command’s decision.
When inquired about Kharge's statement and Vokkaliga seer Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji’s support for Shivakumar’s candidacy for the Chief Minister position, Siddaramaiah consistently stated he would go to Delhi if called.
Responding to Kharge's announcement, Deputy CM Shivakumar remarked in Bengaluru: "Both the Chief Minister and I will confer, and we will proceed. If they summon us, we shall go."
Furthermore, Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of CM Siddaramaiah, expressed in Mysuru that the Chief Minister will not be replaced based solely on claims.
"There are no grievances against the CM, and no scams. The MLAs are also backing him. There is no necessity for a change at this moment," he added.