Karnataka: Calls to Replace Shivakumar Grow

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Calls have grown to replace DK Shivakumar as Karnataka Congress chief.
2. Some Congress leaders want Shivakumar replaced soon.
3. Shivakumar has maintained silence on the issue.
4. State minister KN Rajanna has sought clarity from the high command.
5. Questions have arisen regarding the tenure of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Karnataka: Calls Intensify to Replace DK Shivakumar as Congress Chief A handful of Congress leaders in Karnataka have intensified calls to replace DK Shivakumar as the party president in the state. According to sources, the leadership transition could take place by the end of this year when Shivakumar, currently the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, takes over as Chief Minister. The future of this political politics is uncertain.

Shivakumar’s Silence: Amid the growing clamor, Shivakumar has maintained silence on the issue. Party sources say that it is yet to be officially taken up, as his transition as the Chief Minister is a bigger task currently on hand. Shivakumar is adhering to the high command’s instructions. This silence is fueling speculation.

Rajanna’s Demand: Meanwhile, state minister KN Rajanna, who met with senior party leaders in Delhi on Friday, has called for clarity from the high command regarding the statements made by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal in 2023. At the time, Venugopal had stated that Shivakumar would continue as the Karnataka Congress president until the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This promise is now being questioned.

Questions on Siddaramaiah’s Tenure: Speaking to the media after his meeting, Rajanna questioned the duration of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s tenure, and said, “KC Venugopal made it clear from day one that Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar is the Deputy Chief Minister until the parliamentary elections. But did he ever say Siddaramaiah would remain Chief Minister for two and a half years? No.” Siddaramaiah assumed office in May 2023.

Parameshwara’s Response: Countering Rajanna’s remarks, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said Siddaramaiah was elected as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader for a full five-year term. “When we voted for the CLP leader, we were not told whether it was for five years or two and a half years. We elected Siddaramaiah as our leader for a full term. If he completes five years, it will be a record, and I hope he does,” he told reporters. This statement adds to the complexity of the situation.

Pressure from Other Leaders: Adding to the growing pressure, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal last week, urging them to replace Shivakumar in the “interest of the party and government”. Jarkiholi, considered a strong contender for the position, has reportedly pushed for an immediate leadership change.

Shivakumar’s Stance: Despite being at the centre of these developments, Shivakumar has maintained his silence, choosing to adhere to the high command’s instructions. He has refrained from commenting on the ongoing controversy. Even his brother, MP DK Suresh, who had previously defended him, has not made any public statements. This unified silence from the Shivakumar camp is notable.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Calls intensify to replace DK Shivakumar as Karnataka Congress chief. Shivakumar remains silent on the issue. KN Rajanna has sought clarity from the high command. Questions surround Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister. This is complex politics.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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