Tensions within the Karnataka Congress party have escalated, with growing factionalism between the groups supporting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. In a significant political development, key leaders from both factions met AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Sadashivanagar for talks as the party grapples with internal power struggles.
Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, CM’s political secretary Nazir Ahmed, former MP DK Suresh, and MLA Dr Ranganath were among the leaders who met Kharge, who has been at home due to health issues. Their discussions revolve around the ongoing debates within the party regarding the transfer of CM power and the reshuffling of the KPCC president’s post. This high-profile meeting has drawn considerable attention, especially given the current political climate in the state Congress.
Tensions Over CM Power Transfer and KPCC Leadership
Factional tensions within the party have reached a boiling point as statements and counter-statements fly between the leaders of the two factions. One of the most notable recent attacks came from Minister KN Rajanna, who strongly criticised DCM DK Shivakumar. Rajanna questioned whether the deputy CM’s position was akin to a “crown” and attacked DK’s close ally, Rajya Sabha MP GC Chandrashekhar. These remarks have only intensified the political drama within the party, and the fallout from Rajanna’s comments has been a key subject of discussion.
Zameer Ahmed Khan’s Visit to Kharge
In the wake of this growing discord, Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan’s visit to meet Mallikarjun Kharge raised considerable curiosity. Zameer and political secretary Nazir Ahmed took time to discuss the current political situation in Karnataka with Kharge. The previous week, leaders like Satish Jarkiholi, KN Rajanna, and Parameshwar had met Kharge in Delhi, making Zameer’s visit all the more noteworthy. As one of the senior leaders in the Congress, Zameer’s engagement with Kharge underscores the party’s increasing concerns over the ongoing infighting.
DK Suresh’s Call for Action
Adding fuel to the fire, former MP DK Suresh also visited Kharge’s residence shortly after Zameer Ahmed’s meeting. The timing of Suresh’s visit is particularly significant, as it coincides with intense discussions surrounding the potential change in leadership within the KPCC. Sources reveal that Suresh strongly urged Kharge to take action against Minister KN Rajanna’s remarks about the deputy CM.
Suresh is believed to have conveyed his concerns that Rajanna’s public statements damaged the party’s unity and sent the wrong message. Suresh specifically objected to the harsh language Rajanna used regarding DK Shivakumar, calling for disciplinary action and suggesting that the minister be summoned and given a “wake-up call.”
Kharge’s Assurance
In response to the growing unrest within the party, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly assured the leaders that he would look into the matter and take appropriate steps to address the concerns raised. His promise to address the factionalism within the party has offered some hope of resolution, though the underlying issues remain far from settled.
Kharge’s statement that he would take action and resolve the issues indicates that internal discord may soon be concluded. However, the ongoing power struggles and the sensitive nature of the leadership changes suggest that the party may face challenges maintaining unity as it prepares for future elections.
The Path Forward for Congress
As the Congress party grapples with its internal divisions, all eyes will be on the decisions made by Kharge in the coming days. While his assurances have sparked hopes of a resolution, the future of the KPCC president’s position and the fate of the CM’s office remain uncertain. The next steps taken by Kharge will likely shape the political landscape of the Karnataka Congress in the coming months, especially as the party seeks to solidify its unity and prepare for upcoming challenges.
For now, the leaders of both factions appear to be bracing for further developments, with the hope that Kharge’s intervention will bring an end to the ongoing turmoil within the state Congress.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara Meets Party High Command in Delhi
Meanwhile, the power-sharing dispute within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka is intensifying, leading to heightened political developments in the state. Amidst this backdrop, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara travelled to Delhi on February 18 to meet senior Congress leaders and discuss the ongoing issues.
According to party sources, Parameshwara met with Congress General Secretary (Organization) K C Venugopal and urged the leadership to replace Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President D K Shivakumar before the upcoming local body elections. “Appointing a leader from the backward classes as the new state president will benefit the party in the forthcoming district and taluk panchayat elections,” Parameshwara reportedly advised the high command.
In addition to leadership changes, discussions were held regarding the existing power-sharing agreement. Parameshwara, known for his close association with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp, is said to have pressed the party leadership to consider selecting a leader from the backward classes for the chief minister’s post if the party decides to implement the leadership rotation deal.
These developments signal deepening internal rifts within the Karnataka Congress, which could significantly impact the party’s prospects in the upcoming local body elections.
KPCC Leadership Change Only a Request, Not a Demand: Minister Satish Jarkiholi
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi clarified that there is no insistence on replacing the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, stating that party leaders have merely requested the high command to consider the matter.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Jarkiholi said, “The decision regarding the KPCC leadership rests entirely with the high command. In the Congress party, everyone has the freedom to express their opinions before the leadership.”
Reacting to KPCC working president K.C. Chandrashekar’s complaint to the high command against Rajanna, Jarkiholi remarked, “The working president could have addressed the issue by calling Rajanna for discussions here itself. There was no need to approach Delhi, especially since Rajanna works under the working president’s jurisdiction.”
On the leadership issue, Jarkiholi emphasised that discussions around the chief ministership are unnecessary, especially after KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar endorsed the continuation of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.
When asked about the possibility of organising a Dalit convention, Jarkiholi dismissed the idea, saying, “There are no plans for a Dalit convention at present. If there is any decision on the convention led by Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara, he will announce it himself.”
Commenting on Parameshwara’s recent visit to Delhi, Jarkiholi said, “Visiting the high command in Delhi is like going to a temple—anyone can go, and there are no restrictions. When I visited, I prayed for the party’s growth and our return to power.”
These statements come amid growing speculation over leadership changes in the Karnataka Congress and rising internal discussions within the party’s ranks.
