Siddaramaiah to visit Delhi as Karnataka CM buzz intensifies

The buzz over the Karnataka Chief Minister’s posts has intensified on Monday (May 25) with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah saying that he has been invited by the Congress High Command to Delhi for a meeting on Tuesday (May 26). However, he said that he was not aware of the agenda of the meeting while stating that speculations over it are “always there”.

"I'm invited to Delhi. Tomorrow there is a meeting by 11 am. I don't know the subject. But I'm invited. Last night, K C Venugopal (AICC general secretary - Organisation) called me and intimated to me about the date and the meeting," Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to a question on his visit to the national capital.

Leadership buzz gains ground

Speculations are rife about the leadership change and cabinet reshuffle, as the government completed three years in office on May 20.

Also Read: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says Congress govt will complete full five-year term

According to a PTI report, quoting party and official sources, although the Congress high command is widely expected to discuss resolving the leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar, discussions may also involve upcoming elections to four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka, of which Congress can win three. The rollout of the SIR of electoral rolls in the state might also figure in the meeting.

Shivakumar avoids clear answer

However, Shivakumar did not say anything conclusive on whether he would also be attending the meeting. Speaking to reporters on the matter, he said that he will go to Delhi only if asked by the High Command.

"I don't know what Surjewala (AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, who is in Bengaluru) will tell. I will ask him. If he asks me to come (to Delhi), I will go. Otherwise, I will stay here," he added.

Also Read: Karnataka power tussle: BJP leader calls Siddaramaiah ‘Sultan for 15 days’

Asked whether the discussions related to Rajya Sabha polls were likely during the Delhi visit, he said, "Whenever the party calls, we have to go. Otherwise, I will not go."

Not wanting to respond to a question about the CM change issue, Shivakumar said, "I don't know about it, I don't want to comment on it, it's not my job."

Kharge points to Rajya Sabha talks

Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge said that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had been called to Delhi by the party leadership to discuss Rajya Sabha seats and upcoming vacancies in the Legislative Council.

Also Read: Secrets of Siddaramaiah's record run as CM: Experience, adaptability, smart governance

"The high command has called the CM and the Dy CM to discuss the Rajya Sabha seats. We also have a lot of MLC seats that are opening up in less than 15-20 days. So they will discuss with the high command about that," Kharge said.

"What is wrong if our leaders, legislators, and council members go meet our high command? You should be worried if they seek an appointment with Mohan Bhagwat,” he added as quoted by ANI.

Power-sharing debate resurfaces

Supporters of Shivakumar have been insisting on his elevation in line with a reported power-sharing agreement with Siddaramaiah when the party won the 2023 Assembly elections.

Siddaramaiah has repeatedly asserted that he will complete a full five-year term. He also stated that he will abide by the high command's decision and would visit Delhi to discuss if called by the party.

Also Read: Karnataka CM drama: DKS speaks of ‘secret deal’; Siddaramaiah seeks end of confusion

Shivakumar, on his part, has consistently maintained that he will abide by the Congress leadership's decision, and time will reveal the outcome regarding the CM change.

Several party leaders are worried that the leadership issue is impacting governance and the image of the Congress government. They have openly demanded that the high command resolve the issue, keeping the party's prospects in the 2028 Assembly polls in mind.

(With agency inputs)