Is K'taka's Leadership Transition Progressing Smoothly?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- D.K. Suresh assures smooth progress in leadership discussions.
- High command's decision anticipated at the right time.
- Breakfast meetings signify collaboration between leaders.
- Political implications could shape Karnataka's future.
- Media pressure acknowledged in discussions.
Bengaluru, Dec 1 (NationPress) In response to the ongoing discussions regarding a potential leadership transition, former MP D.K. Suresh, who is also the brother of Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, remarked on Monday that everything is unfolding seamlessly and is approaching a pivotal moment. He emphasized that the party's high command will make the right decision at the right moment.
While speaking to the media at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, Suresh addressed various political developments that have gained prominence amid the leadership turmoil in Karnataka.
When questioned about his meetings with senior party figures in Delhi concerning a shift in the Chief Minister's role, he responded, "I am unable to share all details of my personal visit publicly. A breakfast meeting took place, and another is scheduled for Tuesday."
Regarding the commitment from both leaders to the high command’s direction, he stated, "The high command will take the right decision at the right time."
In response to accusations that D.K. Shivakumar was pressuring the high command through him, Suresh said, "That’s what you (the media) are suggesting."
When asked about former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's remarks regarding religious leaders' involvement in politics, Suresh replied, "Rather than engaging politically, it is clear to the public who has utilized mutts (monasteries) under various circumstances. I need not elaborate further."
In the meantime, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has invited Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to his residence for breakfast on Tuesday (December 2). During an event at Vidhana Soudha on Monday, Shivakumar extended this invitation, and reports suggest the Chief Minister has agreed.
Shivakumar specifically requested that a 'naati koli' (country chicken) dish, known to be Siddaramaiah’s favorite, be prepared for the breakfast.
However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah mentioned on Monday that he had not yet received a call from Shivakumar regarding the breakfast invitation, but he indicated he would attend whenever invited.
"If Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar invites me to breakfast, I am ready to go. He mentioned during the breakfast meeting (on November 30) that he would invite me. He said I should come to his residence for breakfast on Tuesday. But up to now, I have not received any call. If he does invite me, I will go," Siddaramaiah shared with reporters.
"I believe he (Shivakumar) will invite soon. I am confident he will definitely extend the invitation," he added.
Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president and is a significant candidate for the Chief Minister's position, stated last Saturday—following the breakfast meeting at the CM's residence—that he and Siddaramaiah were "united" and would adhere to the party high command's guidance.
"Today, I am content. The CM and I had a breakfast meeting. The CM will also visit my residence for dinner in the next couple of days," he noted.
Earlier on Monday, when asked about inviting the Chief Minister to his residence, Shivakumar asserted that the matter was solely between the two of them.
"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and I are collaborating like brothers. Our breakfast meeting was motivated by media pressure. You (the media) have repeatedly suggested that there are factions within the party," he concluded.