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Karnataka Leadership Tussle: Shivakumar Reveals High Command's Plan Amid Pact Claims

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has clarified that the Congress high command will call him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for a meeting at a time of their choosing. He is also heading to Delhi for official meetings concerning crucial water projects for Karnataka. This comes amid public statements from both leaders regarding the existence of a political pact and the future leadership of the state. The situation highlights the ongoing internal discussions within the Karnataka Congress party.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar Says Congress High Command Will Call Him and CM Siddaramaiah

  • Deputy CM Shivakumar confirms high command will summon both leaders together for talks
  • Shivakumar plans Delhi trip for water resource meetings on key state projects
  • He asserts existence of a pact binding him, the CM, and the party leadership
  • Chief Minister Siddaramaiah maintains no power-sharing formula was discussed
3 min read

High command told they will call me & CM at appropriate time: Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar states the Congress high command will call him and CM Siddaramaiah for a meeting, amid ongoing leadership tussle discussions.

"They have said they will call both of us at an appropriate time. We will wait for the call. - DK Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, Dec 20

Amid the leadership tussle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that the party high command has told him that it will call both him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at an appropriate time.

Interacting with reporters here, Shivakumar, asked whether he was supposed to meet the high command after the Assembly session, said the high command had informed both him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about when it would call them.

"They have conveyed this to us over the phone. We will go," he said.

Onwhether both leaders would go together, Shivakumar replied that both of them would have to go. "Is it possible not to go there?" he asked.

"I will inform the media about it. Without informing you, I will not stealthily go and meet them," he quipped.

Shivakumar further stated that he would be travelling to Delhi on Tuesday as the Union Ministry of Water Resources had called a meeting on interlinking of rivers. "I will attend that meeting and raise issues related to the Mahadayi project, the Krishna water award, the Mekedatu project, and the Upper Bhadra project," he said.

"I am going to meet the Union Minister for Water Resources. We have also sought an appointment with the Union Forest Minister. I will meet the Union Urban Development Minister as well. I am meeting all of them in the interest of the state. There are many issues," he said.

"If required, I will also meet the Prime Minister later," Shivakumar added.

Aasked again whether he would be going with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to meet the high command, Shivakumar reiterated: "They have said they will call both of us at an appropriate time. We will wait for the call."

The leadership tussle within the Congress in Karnataka took a fresh turn on Friday, with Shivakumar countering Siddaramaiah's assertion that there was no power-sharing formula and that he would remain in office for the full term.

"Chief Minister, the high command, and I are bound by a pact," Shivakumar said, while maintaining that there were no discussions within the party on a change in leadership.

Siddaramaiah had asserted on the floor of the Assembly that he would continue in office for the full term and that no power-sharing formula had been discussed within the Congress.

"The leadership issue is an internal matter of our party. We will follow the directions of the high command. However, I am the current Chief Minister and have completed two-and-a-half years in office. I will continue as the Chief Minister in the future as well," Siddaramaiah said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
At least DKS is going to Delhi for important state work like the river projects. That's what matters more. Mahadayi and Mekedatu are critical for Karnataka's water security. Hope he gets a positive response from the Centre 🤞
V
Vikram M
"We are bound by a pact" says Shivakumar. But Siddaramaiah says no formula was discussed. Someone isn't telling the full truth. This internal tussle is an open secret and it's hurting Congress's image in the state.
P
Priya S
Classic Congress culture of "high command will decide". They talk about federalism but within their own party, it's all Delhi calling the shots. Leaders in Karnataka should have the autonomy to sort this out themselves.
A
Aman W
The way Shivakumar said "I will not stealthily go" shows how much media speculation is driving this. It's become a daily soap opera. Just work together, yaar! The state has bigger problems than this leadership issue.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, this constant uncertainty is not good for administration. Officers must be confused about whose direction to follow. A clear chain of command is essential. Hope the high command's "appropriate time" is very soon.

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