Is a crisis brewing in Karnataka Congress again? Separate high-profile meetings by Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar have stoked buzz about the underlying power tussle in the state unit as the government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November.
Speculations have been rife over a Cabinet reshuffle in the state and Shivakumar's possible elevation as CM in lines with a rumoured 2023 agreement with CM Siddaramaiah over power-sharing.
Shivakumar, who met Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday, has played down the significance of his meeting, saying it was held to discuss party matters.
If the Congress high command approves a cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that the incumbent chief minister Siddaramaiah will complete the full term, scuttling the chances of Shivakumar for the coveted post.
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Saturday and is scheduled to hold talks with Kharge. While Congress leaders have said it is a courtesy meeting, sources said Siddaramaiah may discuss the cabinet expansion in the state.
Playing down buzz over his own meeting with Kharge, Shivakumar said: "It is natural for the party state president to meet the national president, nothing special. There were some party matters like inauguration of party offices, also some trust-related matters. Other than that, nothing."
Earlier, he had dismissed any talk of cabinet reshuffle after the chief minister's meeting with Rahul. "If you want to ask anything about a reshuffling of leadership change issues, speak to CM. We have to follow what the party says... The CM has every right to meet Mallikarjun Kharge, the Home Minister or the PM. What’s wrong with that?" he said.
Over the last few weeks, there have been talks in Karnataka's political circles about the possible change in the leadership due to the alleged agreement.
The purported agreement was dubbed as "November Revolution" when minister K N Rajanna earlier hinted that there will be major change in the government. It was anticipated that he was referring to the change of guard in the state.
However, Shivakumar has rubbished talk of his resignation as the state Congress chief, saying he remains a disciplined soldier of the party.
(With inputs from agencies)
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