Will D.K. Shivakumar Remain K'taka Cong Chief as Long as the Party Wishes?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- D.K. Shivakumar will follow the Congress High Command's decisions.
- Speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle is prevalent.
- Former MP D.K. Suresh is optimistic about his brother's role.
- Meetings with key Congress leaders are scheduled in Delhi.
- Political dynamics in Karnataka are fluid and evolving.
Bengaluru, Nov 16 (NationPress) In response to inquiries regarding a proposal to change the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, former MP D.K. Suresh stated on Sunday that his brother Shivakumar would adhere to any decisions made by the party's high command and will continue to support the party's objectives.
"D.K. Shivakumar will comply with any directives from the Congress High Command. There should be no uncertainty about this. Shivakumar is not holding onto his position; the party has requested his continuation. He will contribute to the party as long as he is given the chance," Suresh remarked.
While addressing the media at his Sadashivanagar residence in Bengaluru, he emphasized, "The Congress High Command is responsible for decisions regarding Cabinet reshuffles and power distribution," adding that he would await the High Command's decision.
When asked about potential changes in the Karnataka Cabinet, Suresh said: "I have seen media reports. The Congress High Command and the Chief Minister have the authority to make these decisions; we shall wait and see."
He was responding to queries about whether the Congress High Command had approved a Cabinet reshuffle.
Regarding the notion that leadership changes might not occur if a Cabinet reshuffle takes place, Suresh indicated, "I don’t possess that information. The High Command will determine this, not anyone else."
On whether he would accompany his brother Shivakumar to Delhi, he replied, "The media has already mentioned my presence in Delhi. Visiting the capital is not unusual for me. D.K. Shivakumar is in Delhi for official matters, and I have my own commitments there."
When asked about meeting the Congress High Command during his Delhi trip, Suresh stated he would do so if the opportunity arises.
On the question of whether the time to wait had ended, he responded, "I cannot comment on that. Those are your words; let us wait and observe."
Suresh expressed his aspirations for his brother Shivakumar to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka, saying, "I have articulated this numerous times. The final decision rests with the Congress High Command; we must see what they decide."
When asked if future changes within the state Congress unit hinge on D.K. Shivakumar's claims, he replied, "Let’s wait. It’s not just Shivakumar making claims; many others are doing the same. We are unaware of the claims made by others."
Regarding Home Minister G. Parameshwara's assertion that no leadership change would occur with a Cabinet reshuffle, he remarked, "He is a senior Minister. The Cabinet reshuffle falls under the Chief Minister's jurisdiction, and he is acting according to the High Command's directions. D.K. Shivakumar will provide his insights if the High Command requests them."
These remarks gain significance against the backdrop of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar's visit to Delhi.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah returned from Delhi late Saturday night after a brief visit and is set to travel back on Monday.
He will meet with Randeep Singh Surjewala and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Additionally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening to discuss the issues faced by sugarcane farmers in the state.
Deputy CM Shivakumar is currently in Delhi, and party insiders indicate that discussions regarding the Cabinet reshuffle will be thoroughly addressed by national leaders.
Reports confirm that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah supports a Cabinet reshuffle, while Deputy CM Shivakumar has reservations about a complete overhaul.
According to Congress sources, the party is eager to assign responsibilities to some senior Cabinet Ministers.