DK Shivakumar VS Siddaramaiah: The political activity in Karnataka is about to increase again. The ongoing tussle between DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah for the post of Chief Minister of the state was calmed down in Delhi. But now the possibility of political heat rising again has increased. In fact, on Saturday, Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain predicted that Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister of the state by January 6 or 9 because on this date, CM Siddaramaiah will become the leader of Karnataka’s longest serving CM by breaking the record of late D Devaraj Urs.
MLA Hussain is considered a staunch supporter of Shivkumar. Talking to HT, he said, ‘There is a 99% chance that he (Shivkumar) will become the CM. As for the date, it’s just a random number. Everyone is saying this. It could be 6th or 9th January. These are two dates. Ramanagara MLA said that Siddaramaiah should leave the post of CM to give a chance to Shivkumar.
the date has been fixed
When asked about the importance of the date, Hussain said, ‘I don’t know. It’s just a random number. Everyone is saying this. It could be 6th January or 9th January. These are two dates. Hussain is openly demanding that Shivkumar be made the Chief Minister and he had expressed his wish to everyone even a day before.
Not Shivkumar, Parmeshwar should become the CM, but…
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Railways and BJP MP V Somanna said that he is supporting Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara for the post of Chief Minister. Speaking at a program in Tumkuru, Somanna said, ‘Getting power is a matter of luck. I had never imagined even in my dreams that Parmeshwar would remain only the Home Minister. We wish that he becomes CM. Not only me, but the people of Tumkuru also wish that he should become the CM. When asked about DK Shivakumar, who is also considered a strong contender, Somanna replied, ‘Leave it man, that is a different matter. What Shivkumar wants to become depends on his luck. Conduct is greater than luck.
What is happening?
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are going to meet Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Delhi on December 14. Sources said on Saturday, once again there will be discussion regarding the ongoing tussle over the post of Chief Minister in the state. People associated with the matter told HT that this meeting will take place after the mega rally of Congress at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. This rally was organized under the party’s ‘Vote Chor Gaddi Chhod’ campaign, in which nexus between the ruling BJP and the Election Commission was alleged.
Struggle for leadership
In the 224-member assembly, Congress has majority with about 140 MLAs. As the leadership tussle has intensified since the Congress government crossed half of its five-year term on November 20, there are reports that there could be a possible agreement to divide the term of the Chief Minister for 2.5-2.5 years as part of the generation transition. Neither the party nor any leader has officially confirmed any such arrangement, although Shivkumar had mentioned a ‘secret deal’ a few days ago without giving details. So far, 63-year-old Shivakumar has not taken any open step against 77-year-old Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
