Karnataka Congress Turmoil: Deputy CM Shivakumar Halts Dinner Gatherings, Ministers Upset

Bengaluru, Jan 8 (NationPress) The abrupt cancellation of the dinner gathering arranged by state Home Minister G. Parameshwara for SC-ST MLAs, MPs, and Ministers has left all involved feeling displeased. Reports confirmed on Wednesday that Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar orchestrated the cancellation through the party's central leadership.

Shivakumar, who had just returned from an international trip, was in New Delhi on Tuesday. This decisive action reinforces his position, sending a clear message to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his faction within the Congress party.

The dinner gathering was slated for Wednesday at a private venue, occurring shortly after CM Siddaramaiah convened a meeting with 34 MLAs and seven ministers on January 2, while Shivakumar was abroad.

This turn of events sparked speculation that the meeting was intended to undermine Shivakumar, who is rumored to be positioning himself for the Chief Minister role in the near future, sources indicated.

Shivakumar had previously voiced his concerns to the high command regarding the ongoing dinner meetings and festivities encouraged by CM Siddaramaiah, prompting action from the leadership, sources disclosed.

In response, Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna expressed strong discontent with the situation, stating on Wednesday, "Why should Dy CM Shivakumar be upset about the dinner gathering? Has anyone acquired property in his name? The dinner meeting isn’t canceled; it’s merely postponed," Rajanna remarked.

Minister Rajanna has been vocal about the need for additional Deputy Chief Minister positions and advocating for a Dalit Chief Minister for the state. He is known to be a close ally of CM Siddaramaiah.

Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi remarked, "In politics, both setbacks and advancements are commonplace. Today, one may be ahead, but eventually, we will also progress. These matters should not concern us. If we gather for dinner, others should not be alarmed. Why should there be any concern?"

Minister Jarkiholi, likewise a close aide to CM Siddaramaiah, has also advocated for more Deputy CM positions and a Dalit Chief Minister.

In light of these developments, mining magnate and MLA Janardhana Reddy commented that despite CM Siddaramaiah hosting dinner meetings, Dy CM Shivakumar will not remain passive. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is compelled to defend his position while also contending with an investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Shivakumar is pressuring the high command to oust Siddaramaiah and appoint him as the Chief Minister. Fearing this shift, CM Siddaramaiah and his allies are organizing dinner meetings as a means of political leverage," he added.

D.K. Suresh, brother of Dy CM Shivakumar, responded to the news regarding the appointment of a new state Congress Chief, a position previously held by his brother, suggesting that CM Siddaramaiah could also ascend to the role of state Congress Chief.