Is There Really a Leadership Crisis in Congress?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Home Minister G. Parameshwara insists there is no confusion within Karnataka's Congress party.
- He explained the context of recent Delhi meetings involving party leaders.
- Differences of opinion are acknowledged as natural, reinforcing the need for unity.
- The Congress high command's intervention is deemed unnecessary at this time.
- Political speculation often arises during transitional periods, but clarity is essential.
Bengaluru, Nov 21 (NationPress) Addressing the current leadership crisis in Karnataka, the state’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara asserted on Friday that there is no confusion within the ruling Congress party. Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, he noted that if any confusion were to arise, the Congress high command would step in at the right moment.
“The high command has yet to intervene because there is no necessity,” he remarked.
In response to inquiries about a dinner gathering following the Delhi visit of several ministers and MLAs, Parameshwara explained, “Those who traveled to Delhi have already stated that their trip was for work, not for political reasons.”
On reports of MLAs meeting AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, Parameshwara commented, “It is customary for us to connect with our leaders or in-charge secretaries during our visits to Delhi. We make a point to visit the AICC office. Kharge is from our state; what is inappropriate about them meeting him? There is no need to misinterpret this.”
When questioned about the timing of the Delhi visits as the government marks two and a half years in power, he stated that such speculation is typical.
He emphasized that any official communication from the high command to the Chief Minister or other leaders would be formally issued.
“My statements should not be regarded as official concerning leadership or party matters,” he clarified.
Regarding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assertion that he will serve his full term and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s hints at resigning as State Congress President, Parameshwara maintained that there is no confusion within the party.
Meanwhile, T.B. Jayachandra, a seven-time MLA and the Karnataka government’s Special Representative in Delhi, remarked, “Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and I are all like children of the same mother. Differences of opinion are natural.”
“We will not overstep the party framework. Everyone has aspirations, which is not a negative thing. The government has completed two and a half years, and naturally, some may feel the urge to make an attempt,” he concluded.