Karnataka’s Congress government witnessed another round of political crisis in the past two days after several MLAs and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar himself reached Delhi. The timing is important here as today, the Karnataka government completed its 2.5 years. When Congress had won the polls, there was huge ruckus over the CM post and both DKS and Siddaramaiah wanted it. The high command settled for Siddaramaiah. 

However, it was reported that there was a discussion on the fact that DKS could take charge as the CM after 2.5 years, giving him also an equal opportunity to be on the top post. It was reportedly this reason that the MLAs and DKS reached Delhi to meet Congress’ central leadership. 

Talking to the reporters, Shivakumar defended the meeting saying anyone can come and meet the Delhi leaders, adding that there was talks of cabinet reshuffle and hence the MLAs wanted to meet leaders in Delhi. 

“I do not form groups, as it is not in my nature and all 140 MLAs are under my leadership. With the Chief Minister planning a government reshuffle, it is natural that MLAs aim to become ministers and meet leaders in Delhi. Beyond this, I have nothing further to say…” he added.

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Siddaramaiah settles debate – ‘I will continue’

While his deputy and other MLAs were in Delhi, Siddaramaiah remained in Karnataka and exuded confidence in completing the term as the CM. He added that he would complete his term as the CM.

Talking to the reporters in Mysuru, CM Siddaramaiah said, “The high command does all the cabinet reshuffle. Did he say anything? Neither I nor anyone should hear what the high command said. DK Shivakumar, I and everyone has to listen to what the high command says…”

“I will present the next budget myself, I will continue all the way, I will meet Mallikarjun Kharge tomorrow,” the Karnataka CM added. 

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‘Wish him all the best’ – DKS on Siddaramaiah’s statement

The supporters of DKS want him to be the CM but Siddaramaiah wants to complete his term. DKS and his supporting MLAs reportedly reached the capital to seek the CM post from him as the state government completed 2.5 years.

When asked about State MLAs meeting party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Shivakumar said, “…I am not aware of dinner. Dinner has been going on. They wanted to make a new PCC president, 4-5 Deputy CMs. All meetings have been going on for the last 2.5 years. This is nothing new. Let them have more meetings.”

He added, “…CM (Siddaramaiah) has said that he will complete 5 years. I wish him all the best. We will all work with him.”

Meanwhile, in an attempt to put water on the fire, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala said that a discussion was held with Karnataka CM and Deputy CM and they agreed that “a decisively defeated and faction ridden Karnataka BJP, along with a section of the media, are designedly running a maligning campaign against Karnataka and its Congress Government”. 

“The sole idea is to undermine the stellar achievements and 5 Congress Govt Guarantees, which have become an outstanding model of inclusive development and distributive justice. The needless Statements of some Congress leaders and MLAs has also  added to the speculation. INC has sternly warned them from making any public statements on the issue of leadership or falling for the agenda being propagated by the vested interests. The opinion of various party functionaries has been taken note of by the leadership” he added in a post on X.

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