In a reflection of growing divisions within the Karnataka Congress, State Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi has advocated for appointing a new president for the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), replacing Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is currently serving a six-month extension. Jarkiholi, aligning with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s faction, conveyed his stance to the party high command during a recent Congress Legislative Party meeting.
"I met [Congress leader] Randeep Surjewala and expressed that a new president should be appointed promptly in the party's best interest," Jarkiholi stated. His remarks underscore ongoing tensions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar’s camps within the state Congress.
Siddaramaiah’s Leadership Reaffirmed Amid Speculations
Addressing reporters, Jarkiholi reaffirmed Siddaramaiah’s position as Chief Minister, dismissing speculations about leadership changes. "Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister. Whether he serves for three years or five years is not within my purview, but I can confidently say he will continue to lead, and we support him," Jarkiholi said.
When asked about the possibility of Shivakumar replacing Siddaramaiah, he clarified that the Congress high command had not broached the subject. "You would need to ask D.K. Shivakumar about this. As far as we know, Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister," he added.
Shivakumar, a prominent leader from the influential Vokkaliga community, was appointed Deputy Chief Minister after a competitive race for the Chief Minister’s post following the Congress’s victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections. Reports at the time suggested a "rotational chief minister formula," potentially allowing Shivakumar to take over midway through the government’s term, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Calls for Dalit/ST Representation
Jarkiholi’s recent meetings with prominent Congress leaders, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Social Welfare Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, have fueled speculation about potential leadership changes. Both Parameshwara and Mahadevappa, key Dalit leaders within the party, have been viewed as contenders for the Chief Minister's position should the opportunity arise.
However, Jarkiholi dismissed the notion of a leadership shift, stating, "There is no vacancy for the Chief Minister’s post. Discussions about a change are irrelevant as the current leadership enjoys our full support."
Parameshwara echoed this sentiment, adding a touch of humor to the ongoing speculations. "Just because two leaders have a discussion over coffee doesn’t mean there’s a race for the Chief Minister’s position. If that were true, a lot more coffee would be consumed in Karnataka," he quipped.
Opposition Criticism and Legal Challenges
Amid internal Congress dynamics, opposition leader R. Ashoka of the BJP accused the ruling party of engaging in a “race” for the Chief Minister’s post. "There are ongoing breakfast and dinner meetings among ministers to strategize for the position. It’s unclear how long this government will last," Ashoka remarked.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah faces scrutiny from the Lokayukta and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) over alleged irregularities in land allotments by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The case involves land allotments to his wife, Parvathi B.M., and other associates, raising questions about his leadership.
A Party at Crossroads
As the Congress grapples with leadership challenges and external pressures, the party's high command will play a decisive role in addressing factionalism while maintaining stability in Karnataka’s governance. With ongoing investigations and mounting political speculation, the Karnataka Congress faces a critical test of unity and leadership in the months ahead.
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