D. K. Shivakumar Meets Mallikarjun Kharge Amid Congress Turmoil in Karnataka
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Synopsis
In Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar met AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge amid internal Congress conflicts. The meeting followed comments by former Minister Veerappa Moily on Shivakumar's potential as Chief Minister. Shivakumar and other leaders emphasized party unity and adherence to the high command's decisions.
Key Takeaways
- D. K. Shivakumar meets Mallikarjun Kharge amidst party discord.
- Moily believes Shivakumar is poised to become Chief Minister.
- Shivakumar affirms respect for Kharge as national president.
- Siddaramaiah insists on following Congress high command's directives.
- Political shifts anticipated within Karnataka Congress.
Bengaluru, March 4 (NationPress) Amid persistent discord within the Karnataka Congress, State Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar held a meeting with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The 20-minute discussion has gained attention following remarks by former Union Minister and ex-Chief Minister Veerappa Moily, who stated that no one could stop Shivakumar from becoming the Chief Minister.
Shivakumar's loyal supporter, MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga, asserted that the party's state leader would take on the role of Chief Minister in December and guide the party in the upcoming Assembly elections.
After the meeting, Shivakumar emphasized to the media: "Kharge is our national president, and if I do not show respect to him, who else should I respect?"
"Should I visit the BJP office instead? I am overseeing the construction of our new office and have requested his presence for the groundbreaking ceremony. We did not discuss anything beyond this," he clarified.
In an interesting turn, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to Moily's comments, stating that he would adhere to the directives of the Congress high command.
Siddaramaiah added, "I will reiterate that the statements made by former Union Minister Veerappa Moily or any other leaders are irrelevant. The decision of the party high command holds significance, and we will comply with it."
Shivakumar also indicated that Kharge instructed party members not to discuss any changes regarding the state’s Chief Minister.
Regarding Moily's assertion, Shivakumar remarked that it was merely the opinion of the former Union Minister.
Meanwhile, BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra stated that Moily hinted at Shivakumar's imminent rise as Chief Minister, suggesting that the state is on the brink of rapid political changes.
Notably, Shivakumar’s holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj and his commendations for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have drawn scrutiny within Congress.
