New Delhi: Speculation over a leadership shift in Karnataka gathered pace on Thursday, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge confirming that senior leaders will meet soon to decide the way forward.
Party chief signals swift resolution
Kharge said he would call Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, to New Delhi for discussions aimed at ending the uncertainty.
Talks to include top Congress brass
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Kharge said, “After going to Delhi, I will call three or four important leaders and discuss. After the discussion, we will say how to go ahead and thereby put an end to the confusion.”
On being asked whether CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar will be called to Delhi, he said, “We should certainly call them and discuss. We will call them, discuss with them and settle the issue.”
“The leaders will sit together and discuss the next steps. We will settle the matter and put an end to the confusion,” he added. “I will call everyone and discuss. Rahul Gandhi will be part of it, also other members, including the CM and Deputy CM. After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he said, according to a PTI report.
Tussle intensifies at mid-term mark
Tensions within the grand old party have intensified after the Congress government in Karnataka hit the halfway point of its five-year term on November 20. This has revived talk of the 2023 “power-sharing” arrangement allegedly involving Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.
Kharge said he would meet senior leaders first before announcing the party’s stance on the issue.
CM Siddaramaiah meets loyalists as uncertainty looms large
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting at his residence with ministers and senior leaders seen as close to him, including G Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H C Mahadevappa, K Venkatesh and K N Rajanna, according to PTI.