Karnataka Congress in Turmoil: Minister Rajanna Expresses Willingness to Lead KPCC
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Synopsis
In a significant development for Karnataka Congress, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna has expressed his readiness to take over as President of the KPCC, currently held by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, potentially igniting tensions within the party's leadership.
Key Takeaways
- K.N. Rajanna is willing to lead the KPCC.
- Potential conflict between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
- Rajanna questions the high command's delay in leadership change.
- Demand for a Dalit Chief Minister raised.
- Pressure tactics being employed by Siddaramaiah’s camp.
Bengaluru, Feb 14 (NationPress) In a development that may raise concerns within the Karnataka Congress, Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, a trusted ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has announced his willingness to take on the role of President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). This position is currently occupied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
This announcement is likely to provoke a response from Dy CM Shivakumar and his followers.
Insider reports indicate that, despite the apparent unity displayed by CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar, Rajanna's declaration could instigate a public clash between these two prominent figures.
Following a three-day stay in New Delhi where he met with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister Rajanna stated at a press conference that he is prepared to resign from his current role if the party leadership offers him the opportunity to lead the KPCC.
“We are not demanding a change of state President. After the Congress party’s success in the state Assembly elections, AICC National General Secretary and MP, K.C. Venugopal, had released a statement indicating that Siddaramaiah would serve as the CM and Shivakumar as the Deputy CM,” Rajanna remarked.
“The press release specified that Shivakumar would continue as the KPCC President until the upcoming Parliamentary elections. Now, we are questioning why the high command has not initiated a change yet?” Rajanna queried.
Addressing the call for a Dalit CM, Minister Rajanna questioned what was inappropriate about advocating for a Dalit Chief Minister?
“Dalits, along with other communities and minorities, are entitled to seek the CM position. The high command's decision will be final, and we will respect it,” he emphasized.
“We will present our requests to the high command without seeking assistance from the Opposition parties,” he asserted.
Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi has also approached the high command to remind them of their previous commitment to replace Shivakumar as the state chief.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara is expected to visit New Delhi next week.
Sources indicate that CM Siddaramaiah’s faction is planning to apply mounting pressure on the high command through sequential visits from ministers.
This group is displeased with the restrictions placed on conducting meetings among supportive ministers and MLAs.
As of now, Dy CM Shivakumar has not commented on this situation.
