As the Congress government in Karnataka approaches the completion of its two-and-a-half-year term, the long-standing debate over power-sharing and leadership succession has intensified, sparking a fresh crisis within the state party. The factions led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have escalated their rivalry, forcing the Congress high command to intervene to resolve the issue.
On November 23, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, while speaking near his residence in Sadashivanagar, hinted that the high command would soon decide the leadership dispute. “No matter what, the high command will take care of it,” Kharge remarked, signalling that the party leadership would intervene soon to address the issue. This is the first time Kharge has responded to the growing tensions within the state party, which have been simmering for weeks.
Kharge’s comments followed a series of meetings between state leaders and the high command. On Saturday night, Kharge had a one-and-a-half-hour discussion with Siddaramaiah at his residence. Siddaramaiah, who has been at the centre of the leadership struggle, stated that the high command would take any decision on the matter, and all party leaders must agree. “The high command will take a decision, and all leaders must respect it,” he said after the meeting.
Adding fuel to the fire, G. Parameshwara, a senior minister and former KPCC president, has expressed his desire for the Chief Minister’s post. Parameshwara, a prominent Dalit leader, emphasised that he should also be given an opportunity, as he has contributed significantly to the party’s success. Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who is seen as a key player in the power dynamics, echoed Parameshwara’s sentiments, saying, “Parameshwara is one of those who prepared the party to the point of forming the government. My insistence is that he should also be given an equal opportunity.”
While the discussions on leadership have been ongoing, Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and other leaders met with Kharge on November 23 to discuss the future course of action. Hebbalkar, who invited Rahul Gandhi to a party event, emphasised the importance of unity within the party.
Kharge, who is expected to leave for Delhi on November 24, is likely to hold further discussions with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently abroad. Kharge, who has close ties with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, will likely play a key role in mediating the leadership dispute.
Amidst the talks, Parameshwara also made his aspirations clear, stating, “I will always be in the race for the Chief Minister’s post.” He added, “In 2013, I was the KPCC president, and I was in the race for the CM’s post then as well. There is nothing wrong with that. The question of a Dalit Chief Minister will always be there.”
The issue of leadership succession has further deepened divisions within the party, with several leaders voicing their concerns. Minister Satish Jarkiholi, in particular, indirectly criticised Shivakumar, saying that no individual could take sole credit for bringing the party to power. “It is not because of anyone’s hard work alone that the Congress came to power,” he stated. “It was the collective effort of everyone, from the ordinary workers to senior leaders. No two people should take all the credit for it.”
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