Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar: Congress High Command Divided Over Leadership Changes

The Congress high command is facing a delicate situation in Karnataka, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are torn. The key issues revolve around changing the chief minister and KPCC chief and creating additional deputy chief minister positions.

Confidential Meetings:

Siddaramaiah met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi, while Shivakumar held discussions with AICC president Mallikarjuna Kharge. The content of these meetings remains undisclosed, but changes in top leadership positions are likely.

KPCC Chief’s Responsibilities:

Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara expressed concerns that Shivakumar, who holds crucial portfolios, may need to help to fulfil KPCC’s chief responsibilities.  The high command is considering appointing a leader from a community that consistently supports the party.

Community Dynamics:

Kharge believes that Siddaramaiah’s Kuruba community no longer backs Congress, while Vokkaligas and Lingayats support the BJP-JDS alliance. They are removing Shivakumar, a Vokkaliga, as the KPCC chief may not be wise.

Deputy Chief Ministers:

Rahul’s close aide, AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, supports appointing leaders from AHINDA communities (Muslims and SC/ST/OBCs) as deputy chief ministers and KPCC president. Leadership Choices:

While PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi is willing to take up the KPCC position, Kharge may opt for a Veerashaiva-Lingayat leader from North Karnataka. The question remains whether existing ministers will sacrifice their posts.

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