Tensions Between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Expected to Dominate CLP Gathering

Bengaluru, Jan 13 (NationPress) The internal conflict within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka is anticipated to escalate as the factions of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar are expected to take an adversarial approach concerning power-sharing in the forthcoming Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting set for Monday evening.

While the leaders attending the meeting are asserting that the agenda will focus on the party's convention planned for January 21 in Belagavi, sources indicate that discussions surrounding power-sharing and political maneuvering will also occur.

According to insiders, following CM Siddaramaiah's assertion that his position is secure, tensions have increased between the factions of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

In a media briefing on Monday, Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna remarked that Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar is poised to succeed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.

"The topic of power-sharing is largely discussed in the media rather than among the MLAs. Following CM Siddaramaiah, it is Shivakumar who will ascend to that role. Who else could be a candidate for CM? However, whether Shivakumar will assume the role in this term will depend on the high command," he stated.

In response to the demand from the Vokkaligasa Sangha advocating for Shivakumar's elevation to CM, he noted, "It is unrealistic to appoint someone as CM simply because there is a demand. They might be seeking representation for their community. The ultimate decision rests with the high command."

Minister for Transport Ramalingareddy commented, "Any changes within the Congress party, whether involving the state president or the Chief Minister, will be determined by the high command. They will decide if any modifications are necessary."

"I am not a candidate for the state president position. The Chief Minister's post is not vacant. Today's meeting will focus solely on the Belagavi convention, with no other issues on the table," Minister Reddy added.

Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi stated that the high command will ultimately decide who will take on the roles of CM or state party president.

"There is no urgency regarding this matter. The high command will make a decision at the appropriate time. The media is presenting only partial truths about the CM transition issue," Minister Jarkiholi continued.

National General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala is set to arrive in Karnataka to address the upcoming Belagavi convention, along with other related topics, including discussions on internal reservations.

When questioned about the call for a Dalit CM, Minister Jarkiholi emphasized that CM Siddaramaiah is currently in charge, making it unfeasible to bring in another CM at this time.

"I am unaware of any discussions about power-sharing. Our party President D.K. Shivakumar will engage in special prayers, which is a longstanding tradition for him over the past 40 years and will continue into the future," he asserted.

Senior leader R.V. Deshpande remarked that the speculation regarding a change in CM is largely driven by the media. "There is no vacancy in the CM's position at present, which is why the CM's assertion is accurate. If Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar aspires to the CM role, that is not inappropriate either. I might have my aspirations, and nobody can prevent that. What the CM is conveying is that he currently holds the position, and therefore, there is no vacancy," he explained.

When asked about various leaders expressing interest in key positions, he responded, "As a legislator for nine terms, am I not qualified? Ultimately, the party will determine the decision. I am merely a member of the Congress party. The Congress must decide who should be the CM, and the Congress Legislature Party should support that choice. It is a straightforward democratic process and nothing more."

"We are all united and collaborating effectively. There is nothing wrong with hosting dinners. The agenda is explicit; the meeting is centered around the Belagavi convention scheduled for January 21. It promises to be a significant event," he concluded.

Despite the leaders' claims of stability, sources suggest that internal discord within the Congress party persists. The struggle for power is underway and is expected to intensify in the forthcoming days.