'Secret deal': DK Shivakumar's cryptic remark intensifies Karnataka CM change buzz

According to party sources, while Siddaramaiah is pushing for a reshuffle of his Cabinet, Shivakumar wants the party to first decide on the leadership change.

The reported internal bickering within two camps -- DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah in Karnataka Congress refuses to die down, with more speculations regarding the change of guard in the state emerging.

The reported power struggle seems to be intensifying with Shivakumar’s cryptic remarks about a “secret deal" on power sharing between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, had accompanied AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who was in the state for the past few days to the Bengaluru airport. When Shivakumar was asked about the CM change, he said, "I don't know. I have not asked to make me the CM. It is a secret deal between five and six of us. I don't want to speak publicly on this. I believe in my conscience. We should work with our conscience.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also refused to comment on the matter, insisting that the issue should not be discussed publicly and will be settled by the party’s central leadership.

Only last week, leaders from the “Shivakumar camp" had reportedly travelled to Delhi to push for him to become the chief minister, especially since decisions about a cabinet reshuffle are seen as a signal if Siddaramaiah will finish his term.

While Siddaramaiah has time and again stressed that he will complete the full term, Shivakumar’s remarks have indicated that the Congress wants to be tight-lipped about the issue. The two leaders have, however, maintained that they will abide by the final decision of the party high command.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had an hour-long meeting with Kharge on Saturday, reiterated that the party high command should ultimately take the decision to end the confusion and demands surrounding CM change.

Even as a few Congress MLAs, who are supporters of Shivakumar, are in Delhi, the CM said legislators are free to meet the party leadership and share their opinion. "Let them (legislators) go, MLAs have freedom. Let's see what opinion they give. Ultimately, the high command has to make the decision. We will abide by what the high command says."