Bengaluru, Feb 21 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed his satisfaction over the assurance given by AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge to senior Congress member Satish Jarkiholi regarding the impending resolution of the leadership dilemma in the state.

Shivakumar's comments surfaced amidst ongoing speculation about the leadership dynamics within the Karnataka Congress. Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi had previously mentioned that Kharge conveyed a decision had been reached concerning the leadership issue and assured that clarity would be provided soon.

In response to inquiries about this development, Shivakumar told reporters, “I am pleased with this assurance.”

The Deputy Chief Minister addressed reporters at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council in Bengaluru. When questioned about the ongoing discussions and social media narratives concerning the Chief Minister’s position, Shivakumar stated he had no information on the subject.

When asked about the violence reported during a Shivaji Jayanti procession in Bagalkot, he mentioned, “I returned to Bengaluru from Assam last night and was quite fatigued. I do not have further details yet and will seek more information.”

In response to whether the government would extend compensation to the victims of the Bagalkot violence, considering a Congress delegation was visiting the area, Shivakumar said a decision would follow after receiving official reports.

He also addressed BJP MLA Dheeraj Muniraju’s denial of allegations regarding demands for funds related to garbage disposal in his constituency, stating, “We will discuss that later.”

Earlier, Satish Jarkiholi revealed in New Delhi that Kharge had informed him of a decision regarding the leadership issue, though no specific timeline for its execution was provided.

“Alongside a group of MLAs, I met AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi and urged him to address the confusion surrounding leadership in Karnataka,” Jarkiholi remarked.

“We engaged in discussions with Kharge and implored him to resolve the leadership matter promptly,” he added.

Jarkiholi further noted that he, along with several MLAs and party leaders, met with Kharge to discuss the political climate in the state and potential future developments.

“He has reassured us that the issues will be addressed soon. This concern is not new and has lingered for some time. We have requested him to resolve the leadership issue, and he has promised it will be tackled,” Jarkiholi remarked.

He also stated that prolonged uncertainty surrounding leadership is detrimental to the party and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved swiftly.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently noted on social media that certain vested interests struggle to accept his return as Chief Minister for a second term and alleged that some criticisms directed at him are driven by social and political motives.

He emphasized that his rise to the Chief Minister position from humble beginnings has attracted criticism from specific sections, adding that such opposition is politically motivated.