Congress ‘unity show’ flatlines? DK Shivakumar backs Siddaramaiah; cites ‘no option’ | India News
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Congress ‘unity show’ flatlines? DK Shivakumar backs Siddaramaiah; cites ‘no option’
The “unity show” within Karnataka Congress flatlined within 24 hours. Deputy chief minister Shivakumar said that whatever the has party decided, it will be fulfilled. Chief minister Siddaramaiah said that he intends to serve the full five-year term. Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain stoked speculation by claiming that deputy chief minister DK Shivak Kumar could become chief minister within the next two to three months. The party high command said it is not taking an opinion on leadership change in Karnataka. The decision on the central leadership had earlier made the decision on formation of the government after the 20 assembly polls, Yathindra had said. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September, this is what they are talking about, Hussain said. He also hinted at “revolutionary political developments” after September 2323, when Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Rajanna Kharge made a decision to form the government.
‘s deputy
on Wednesday claimed that he has no “option” but to support the chief minister and party high command’s decision.
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A day after Congress said that there would be no change in leadership and Siddaramaiah will continue as chief minister, deputy chief minister Shivakumar – who was hopeful of a promotion – said that whatever the has party decided, it will be fulfilled.
“What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don’t have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled,” Shivakumar said while talking to media.
“I don’t want to discuss anything now. Lakhs of workers are supporting this party,” he added.
Meanwhile, chief minister Siddaramaiah said that he intends to serve the full five-year term.
“Yes, I will continue as CM. Why do you have doubts?” Siddaramaiah told reporters, brushing aside speculations of internal dissent and leadership shifts within the ruling Congress.
“There is no confusion or rift. We are united,” he added, reiterating that the Congress govt in Karnataka remains stable and committed to its full term.
Earlier, Randeep Surjewala, who was sent as a troubleshooter by the party high command, cleared the air that there might be growing crevices between CM Siddharamaih and his deputy DK Shivakumar, which could ultimately lead to wider turmoil in the Karnataka Congress.
“We are not taking an opinion on leadership change in Karnataka,” Surjewala said.
“Some of you asked me are you taking opinion on leadership change. The answer I had given yesterday also and I am answering again today– the answer is clearly ‘no’ in one word,” Surjewala said in a press conference.
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Surjewala, who is also the Karnataka Congress incharge, said his meeting with Karnataka MLAs was to “evaluate work they have done in their segments”.
On Tuesday, he issued a show cause notice to Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain, who has been making statements that Shivakumar should become the CM.
On Monday, CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar presented a united front, holding hands before the media and reaffirming the stability of the Congress government in the state.
Asked whether he and Shivakumar were on good terms, Siddaramaiah replied in the affirmative. He then raised Shivakumar’s hand in a display of unity. On questions about alleged rifts, he said, “We don’t listen to what others say,” as Shivakumar nodded in agreement.
This comes after Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain stoked speculation by claiming that deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar could become chief minister within the next two to three months.
“You all know what our (Congress’s) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort, and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar’s) strategy and programmes are history now,” Hussain said.
“I don’t believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity,” he added.
When asked if Shivakumar would be given the CM post this year, Hussain replied, “Yes, I’m saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September, this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months.”
“That’s what I’m saying. I’m not beating around the bush; I’m speaking directly,” he emphasised.
However, when reminded that Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah had dismissed the buzz as mere speculation, Hussain noted that the party’s central leadership had earlier made the decision on government formation after the 2023 assembly polls.
“We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too — we’ll have to wait and watch,” he said.
Earlier, cooperation minister KN Rajanna had also hinted at “revolutionary” political developments after September.