Did Shivakumar Negotiate with BJP for Government Formation? Amit Shah Rejected Proposal, Says Yatnal
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yatnal claims Shivakumar and Vijayendra sought Amit Shah's approval.
- Amit Shah's rejection raises questions about coalition politics.
- Shivakumar maintains loyalty to the Congress party.
- Political maneuvering continues in Karnataka's landscape.
- Future implications for Congress and BJP remain uncertain.
Belagavi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal stated on Friday that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Karnataka BJP chief B.Y. Vijayendra had discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the formation of a government in the state.
However, Yatnal indicated that Amit Shah turned down the proposal to establish a government in Karnataka with Shivakumar.
This development arises amidst speculation about a potential leadership change between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister within the ruling Congress party.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is unlikely to relinquish the CM position to this candidate (Shivakumar). Discussions have already occurred between Shivakumar and the BJP hierarchy. Vijayendra escorted Shivakumar to Delhi, where they finalized the 'business' concerning the CM and Deputy CM roles. Yet, Amit Shah did not concur,” Yatnal claimed.
Yatnal further stated, “Amit Shah declined to permit the formation of a government with Shivakumar and instead proposed dissolving the Assembly. This information is official and has been verified by a BJP Lok Sabha member.”
He additionally alleged that the two leaders convened at a five-star hotel to negotiate the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister positions.
When questioned about the identities of the two leaders, Yatnal remarked, “Who else? It was Shivakumar and Vijayendra. They deliberated in front of Amit Shah, but he did not agree.”
Yatnal also mentioned that Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi shares the view that the BJP will not partner with any Congress leader in Karnataka.
He asserted that there was an agreement for Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister role and Vijayendra to take on the Deputy Chief Minister role.
“The meeting transpired 28.5 kilometers from Delhi. Nonetheless, Amit Shah did not agree. The strategies of Vijayendra and Shivakumar failed due to Shah's rejection. As a result, they have fallen silent, with Shivakumar now aiming to become the Chief Minister within the Congress party itself,” Yatnal maintained.
Previously, Shivakumar had dismissed the notion of joining the BJP, asserting that the Congress party is akin to his mother and that he would never betray it.
Shivakumar also recounted that during his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), he was presented with two choices: to end up in Tihar Jail or to join the BJP, and he opted for the former.