Bengaluru, Nov 21 (NationPress) The ongoing tensions within the ruling Congress party have intensified as calls for a shift in state leadership grow stronger following the completion of two and a half years under the Siddaramaiah administration. Reports indicate that additional MLAs and ministers are making their way to Delhi on Friday to join the group of legislators already present, advocating for the Chief Minister’s position to be handed to Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar.

Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge is scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru on Friday for an event and is expected to remain in the state capital to tackle the emerging crisis.

In a related development, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has cancelled all engagements for the day, citing health concerns.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who maintains that discussions regarding a leadership change are unwarranted, is convening a meeting.

Congress MLA and Chairman of the Karnataka State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KEONICS), Sharath Bachegowda, departed for Delhi late Thursday night from Bengaluru.

On Thursday afternoon, MLAs aligned with Shivakumar took two separate flights to Delhi, sources confirmed.

This group, led by Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, included legislators K. Ranganath, S.R. Srinivas, Ganiga Ravi, Kadaluru Uday, Iqbal Hussain, Rajegowda, Shivanna, Mahendra Tammannavar, Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil, and MLCs S. Ravi and Dinesh Gooligowda.

The group sought a meeting with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge; however, he reportedly exited through a back door without engaging with any legislators.

The Shivakumar faction has since requested an appointment with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal on Friday.

Sources have indicated that the Siddaramaiah group had planned to demonstrate their strength in Delhi on November 28, prompting the Shivakumar camp to act swiftly.

Amidst leadership change discussions, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, brother of D.K. Shivakumar, remarked on Thursday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is accountable and will not retract his statements.

The timing of these remarks is significant as the Congress-led government marks two and a half years in office on Thursday. Political observers interpret Suresh’s comments as a reminder to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about the need to vacate the CM’s position for Shivakumar, based on a reported power-sharing agreement made after the party's electoral victory in 2023.

Addressing the talks surrounding a potential leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that his position has only strengthened and that such discussions are superfluous. “There is no prospect of a November revolution within the party,” he stressed.

When questioned about D.K. Suresh's assertion that 'Siddaramaiah is responsible and he will keep his word,' Siddaramaiah remarked, “I will not comment on this. The electorate has granted us a five-year mandate. Our focus will be on delivering the commitments made in the Congress manifesto.”

When asked if his visit to Chamarajanagar—considered by some political leaders as a jinx—would impact his standing, Siddaramaiah replied, “Yes. Power will remain with me, and it is going to become stronger in the coming days.”

Regarding discussions on whether he would serve the full five-year term, he commented, “What does that imply? Such discussions are unnecessary. I advised the high command to wait until the government reached the halfway mark before initiating a cabinet reshuffle, which has led to these discussions.”

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar stated, “Everything has an ending. Do not be anxious about it. I am optimistic. Whether I am present or not is secondary, and it is not of utmost importance. The Congress will undoubtedly regain power in Karnataka. We cannot be here indefinitely. After my appointment as party president, five and a half years have already elapsed. By March, six years will be completed.”

“Others must be given the opportunity. I will continue to lead, so party workers should not be concerned. Remain hopeful and work diligently. We will surely regain power, so do not worry. Hard work is essential to achieve power. Where there is hard work, power will follow. Where there is a will, there is a way. Where there is devotion, there is divinity,” Shivakumar emphasized.