Amidst the ongoing tussle over the Chief Minister’s post in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had breakfast together at 10:15 am on Saturday. An hour later, the two leaders held a joint press conference. Siddaramaiah stated, “There is no disagreement between us, nor will there be in the future. We will work together.” DK Shivakumar added, “We will follow whatever the high command says, and there is no group. I stand with the Chief Minister and prioritize the development of Karnataka.” This meeting between the two leaders occurred following the high command’s orders. For the past 15 days, workers from both factions have been demanding their respective leaders hold the Chief Minister’s position. When the Congress government was formed in 2023, a deal was struck for a 2.5-year term for the Chief Minister’s post, but Siddaramaiah supporters have denied this. The party has not confirmed this either. After the meeting, the CM and Deputy CM’s post on X… 3 important things from the press conference… Both leaders were seen together at a program on November 28th. Now know why there is a tussle for the post, the dispute escalated after the completion of 2.5 years. There is tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the post of Chief Minister in Karnataka. MLAs supporting Shivakumar say that when the Congress government was formed in 2023, a deal was made for the post of Chief Minister for 2.5 years each, but Siddaramaiah supporters have been denying this. The Congress government in Karnataka completed its 2.5-year term on November 20th. Some MLAs, considered supporters of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, went to Delhi and met Kharge. According to sources, Siddaramaiah is in favor of a cabinet reshuffle, whereas Shivakumar wants the party to first decide on a leadership change. It is also believed within party circles that if the high command approves the cabinet expansion, it could signal Siddaramaiah’s continued tenure for the full term (5 years), which would diminish Shivakumar’s chances of becoming CM. Read the events, statements, and updates from the last 10 days… November 26: Kharge says the party high command will resolve this issue. Earlier on Wednesday, Kharge had said that the party high command would jointly resolve this issue and would also mediate if necessary. Speaking to ANI, he said, “Only the people there can tell how the government is performing. But I will definitely say that Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi will sit together and discuss this.” Rahul asked DK to wait. India Today reported that Shivakumar had been trying to contact Rahul Gandhi for the past week. Following this, Rahul Gandhi sent a WhatsApp message, which read, “Please wait, I will call.” On Wednesday, Shivakumar said, “If needed, I will seek time from the high command. I have to finalize candidates for four MLC seats. I also want to discuss with senior leaders the reorganization of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) trust and party assets.” November 25: BJP releases AI video of DK Shivakumar On Tuesday, the Karnataka BJP released an AI video of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. In it, Shivakumar is seen purchasing the Chief Minister’s chair online on a laptop, but as soon as he adds it to his cart, the screen displays “Out of stock.” The caption reads, “DK Shivakumar now.” November 21: Shivakumar rejects CM change. Shivakumar posted on X that CM Siddaramaiah will complete his five-year term. “I wish him all the best. Both the CM and I have repeatedly stated that we obey the high command.” This discussion began after MLAs close to Shivakumar met the high command in Delhi on November 20. Supporters claimed that Shivakumar should become the next CM. However, the Deputy CM said that all MLAs belong to all of us. Factionalism is not in my blood. Read the full story… November 19: Shivakumar hints at leaving the post of state president. DK Shivakumar had hinted that he might soon step down as state president. At a program organized in Bengaluru to commemorate Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary, he said, “I cannot remain in this position forever.” Shivakumar had said, “It’s been five and a half years, and it will be six in March. Now other leaders should also get the opportunity.” However, he told party workers, “I will remain in the leadership. Don’t worry, I will remain on the front lines. Whether I am there or not, it doesn’t matter. My goal is to build 100 party offices during my tenure.” November 16: Siddaramaiah meets Kharge. Amidst rumors of a reshuffle in the Karnataka government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress President Kharge at his residence in Delhi on November 16. Congress leaders described it as a courtesy meeting, but party insiders said Siddaramaiah discussed cabinet expansion in the state with Kharge. What is the rotation formula?
After the 2023 assembly elections, there was intense competition between the two leaders. At that time, there was talk of a two-and-a-half-year rotation formula, according to which Shivakumar could become CM after 2.5 years. However, the Congress has never officially accepted this. ————————— Also read this news related to Karnataka… CM Siddaramaiah said, “Modi government is forcibly imposing Hindi: Kannada is being neglected; Hindi and English are diminishing the talent of our children.” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the central Modi government of neglecting Kannada and imposing Hindi. He also urged the people of the state to oppose those who oppose Kannada. On Karnataka’s foundation day, Siddaramaiah said that the central government is treating Karnataka step-motherly and that there are continuous attempts to impose Hindi. Read the full news…
