Shivakumar Seeks Divine Intervention Amidst Congress Turmoil in Karnataka

Bengaluru, Jan 10 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, D.K. Shivakumar, made a pilgrimage to the Pratyangira Devi temple in Tamil Nadu to fortify himself against political adversaries within the party ahead of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting, as confirmed by sources on Thursday.

Accompanied by his wife, Shivakumar visited the Sri Maha Pratyangira Devi temple in Kumbakonam on Thursday and offered special prayers.

The goddess is honored as 'Shakti Swarupini' (Embodiment of Power) and 'Ugra Swarupini' (Embodiment of Ferocity), believed in mythology to manifest on earth to vanquish her foes.

She is also esteemed as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Adishakti.

Shivakumar's visit to the temple has ignited discussions within Karnataka's political circles.

Sources indicate that Shivakumar is strategizing to secure the Chief Minister's position, according to the power-sharing arrangement with incumbent CM Siddaramaiah. However, he is reportedly encountering significant opposition.

It has also been disclosed that CM Siddaramaiah recently hosted a dinner meeting with 34 MLAs and seven Ministers in Bengaluru under the pretext of New Year celebrations.

Notably, Deputy CM Shivakumar was absent from this gathering.

During this meeting, a decision to increase RTC bus fares by 15 percent was made, signaling to both the Congress high command and Shivakumar that Siddaramaiah remains firmly in control as the CM of Karnataka.

Upon returning to India, Shivakumar camped in New Delhi and urged the party high command to postpone a meeting arranged by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara for Congress MLAs, Ministers, and MPs from SC and ST communities.

This meeting aimed to promote the idea of a Dalit Chief Minister should there be a change in leadership. Parameshwara had previously stated publicly that he is not in politics to relinquish power, intensifying speculation about his ambitions.

In response to this, CM Siddaramaiah convened a CLP meeting for January 13, exercising his authority.

Sources suggest this action is intended to demonstrate to Shivakumar that he does not possess absolute control over the state.

The Siddaramaiah faction is reportedly gearing up to assert its influence and show solidarity with the CM during the meeting, effectively countering any leadership change attempts.

Ministers K.N. Rajanna and Satish Jarkiholi expressed discontent following the postponement of the SC/ST leaders' meeting.

Rajanna noted that the meeting was not about claiming Shivakumar's territory and questioned why he should be offended.

Jarkiholi remarked that while one faction may currently hold an advantage, his team would also find a favorable position in due course.

Home Minister Parameshwara clarified that the meeting was postponed, not canceled, adding that if the party restricts such gatherings in the future, they will manage the situation.

All eyes are now on the agenda for the forthcoming CLP meeting.

Karnataka Congress unit in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala is anticipated to visit Bengaluru for the meeting, given the present political landscape.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has dismissed speculation regarding infighting within the Congress, insisting that there is no crisis in the party.

Political analysts, however, observe that his calm demeanor at this time is unusual.

Former CM and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai commented that since Congress came to power in Karnataka, there has been instability and internal strife, raising concerns about when Deputy CM Shivakumar's patience might finally wear thin.