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Bengaluru, Nov 25 (IANS) Amid the ongoing leadership tussle within Karnataka’s ruling Congress, Deputy Chief Minister and state unit chief DK Shivakumar, who is reportedly in the race for the chief ministerial post, on Tuesday traveled to Bengaluru International Airport in the same car with party president Mallikarjun Kharge.
This development has intensified speculation in the political circles of the state.
The Congress President has now left for Delhi. It is expected that he will discuss with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi regarding the crisis emerging in Karnataka Congress. On November 23, Kharge had met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and had a long discussion.
Incidentally, when the media asked Shivakumar why he did not meet Kharge during his stay in Bengaluru, he replied, “I met him in Delhi the day before yesterday. Is it appropriate to meet him multiple times? I don’t want to bother him. If I need to meet him I will take his time.”
“You (media) are standing at our doorstep and reporting our every activity. Whether we enter our house or have tea, it is also being reported. There is no issue between us, but we are upset with the media,” he said.
Despite this statement, her decision to accompany Kharge to the airport – where they could have had at least 45 minutes of one-on-one time – has fueled fresh speculation.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had earlier claimed that he would complete the full five-year term, appeared to be softening his stance after meeting Kharge in Bengaluru. He later said that he would remain CM only if the high command wanted, a change which was seen as an advantage for Shivakumar.
In an interesting move, Siddaramaiah also met Energy Minister KJ George, considered close to former party chief Sonia Gandhi, and conveyed his concerns.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar attempted to defuse the tension by declaring that Siddaramaiah’s word is “final” and described him as a “great asset” to the party. He has also defended the Delhi visits of MLAs from his camp and highlighted that ministers and MLAs from Siddaramaiah’s camp are also visiting Delhi.
After reaching Delhi, Kharge can discuss the current political crisis with Rahul Gandhi. The high command is still reeling from the Bihar debacle, with sources saying it is indecisive about taking decisive action in Karnataka. At the same time, it is being told that Shivkumar is adamant on his demand for the post of Chief Minister.
–IANS
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