Bengaluru, Jan 12 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced on Monday that the party's leadership will call upon Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to Delhi "whenever there is a necessity".

In a conversation with journalists at his residence, Kharge responded to inquiries regarding the leadership dynamics in the state and when the two leaders might be summoned, stating: "Whenever there is a necessity, we will call them to Delhi."

Additionally, sources revealed that Shivakumar, who also leads the state Congress, had a 45-minute discussion with Kharge.

Both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister are currently en route to Kalaburagi, Kharge's hometown, for a series of meetings.

Moreover, it has been reported that both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are set to have a brief meeting with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, at Mysuru airport on Tuesday. Gandhi is traveling to the hill station of Ooty in Tamil Nadu for a private event.

Insider information suggests that internal conflicts within the Congress party may become more apparent after the Sankranti festival.

Shivakumar has long sought an audience with Rahul Gandhi and is expected to engage in private discussions during the meeting of Congress observers for the Assembly elections in various states. Gandhi is presiding over the meeting in Delhi, and Shivakumar is optimistic about a separate meeting. Reports indicate that he might travel to Delhi on January 16 and again on January 22.

Shivakumar has been assigned as the party observer for the Assam Assembly elections and aims to discuss the political landscape in Karnataka, including the uncertainties surrounding the Chief Minister's position, with Rahul Gandhi.

In the meantime, Kharge responded to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's criticism of Congress regarding the alleged discontinuation of MGNREGA, asserting that he would refrain from engaging with unfounded accusations. He emphasized that MGNREGA ensures the Right to Work, a scheme initiated under the leadership of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to benefit the underprivileged. He accused the Central government of undermining the program and sabotaging local projects.

Kharge further stated that the Centre altered the funding ratio from 90:10 to 60:40, imposing an additional financial strain of 30% on states. "This indicates their plan to eventually eliminate MGNREGA. They aim to abolish the Right to Education, Right to Food Security, and Right to Work," he claimed.

He remarked that those who criticize MGNREGA by alleging corruption should keep in mind that audits are conducted by the Centre and the Comptroller and Auditor General. "The scheme has led to the creation of assets—lakes have been restored, school facilities, and anganwadis have been built. Opposing such a beneficial scheme is anti-people," he noted.

Kharge accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of slashing funds meant for the underprivileged while channeling more resources to corporations. "Instead of aiding the poor, the Centre has reduced allocations by 30%," he asserted.

“I denounce this, and we will initiate a movement on this issue and pursue it to its logical conclusion,” Kharge stated.

When asked about developments in West Bengal, Kharge noted that the BJP is exploiting the SIR issue nationwide to undermine the Opposition. He added that in this context, Rahul Gandhi has been vocal about the alleged "vote theft" and that Congress is addressing the matter earnestly.