Just days after the swearing-in of the new Karnataka government, signs have emerged indicating that the government may not complete its full term. Following Siddaramaiah’s appointment as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, reports suggest that a majority of Congress workers in the state are deeply dissatisfied with this decision.
Shortly after senior minister MB Patil declared that Siddaramaiah would serve as the Chief Minister for a full five-year term, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and his brother, MP DK Suresh, reacted with scorn and anger.
While Shivakumar, who had been vying for the CM post but ultimately accepted the role of deputy to Siddaramaiah, refrained from commenting and deferred the decision-making to AICC functionaries, Suresh was more forthcoming in his response.
“I could respond sharply to MB Patil, but in the interest of the party, I choose not to do so,” Suresh stated. “Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister now. For any issues of this nature, you can contact Randeep Singh Surjewala [AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka],” he added.
Shivakumar further remarked, “Let people say whatever they want. There is an AICC General Secretary and AICC President who will make the decision.”
Patil, a known supporter of Siddaramaiah, seemed to have the backing of Dinesh Gundu Rao, another loyalist of the Chief Minister. Rao stated, “As per my information, AICC leaders have stated that Siddaramaiah will be the CM and DK Shivakumar will be his deputy. He will also continue as KPCC President until the Lok Sabha elections. Apart from this, no other discussions have taken place. Was there any discussion about Siddaramaiah’s replacement in 2013?” Rao, a former state Congress president, questioned.
Meanwhile, although Surjewala issued a directive to party members not to discuss the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister positions publicly, Patil refused to back down. He insisted that his comments were merely a reaffirmation of what AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal had stated to reporters on May 18 when the CM and DCM names were announced.
Taking a dig at the Congress, the Karnataka unit of the BJP tweeted a video of Patil’s remarks along with the comment: “DK Shivakumar is not going to become CM, and @siddaramaiah is not going to let him become. @MBPatil has just sent a direct warning to @DKShivakumar with this statement!”
Experts warn that if this internal conflict persists, it could lead to high drama in Karnataka, potentially opening the doors for the BJP to regain power once again. The situation remains uncertain, and the coming days will determine the course of the state government and its stability.
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