Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (centre) with state ministers and MLAs at a breakfast meeting.
Stung by ‘sting’ row, Siddaramaiah rallies loyalists, plans to meet Rahul
Siddaramaiah wants quicker arrests in the alleged sting case and has sought a meeting with Rahul Gandhi in early November, as Congress buzzes over his next move
What is Siddaramaiah up to? After the recent MLC poll drubbing, the Congress seems to be in more trouble in Karnataka. Under fire over an alleged sting operation, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is not retreating. He is regrouping.
With the alleged sting operation still hanging over him, the former Karnataka Chief Minister is rallying loyalists and heading to Delhi to meet Rahul Gandhi in the first week of November. And on Thursday (October 29), he gathered ministers, including his son Yatindra Siddaramaiah, and Mysuru-based MLAs over breakfast at his Bengaluru residence, setting the party abuzz about his political strength and his plans to consolidate AHINDA leaders behind him.
Constitution Day event in Mysuru
The meeting came as the Congress continues to face discussions over leadership and the political equation between Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. Yatindra, initially called the breakfast meeting, but the former chief minister himself led the discussions. The meeting also focused on plans to organise a major Constitution Day event in Mysuru on November 26.
Also read: Karnataka at 70: United on the map, divided in opportunity
The proposed event has gained political significance because it could bring together Congress leaders, ministers and legislators from the AHINDA groups — minorities, backward classes and Dalits — who have traditionally formed the core of Siddaramaiah’s political support.
Although the meeting was presented as part of the preparations for Constitution Day, it has raised questions about whether Siddaramaiah is preparing to demonstrate his political strength.
The timing of the event has added to its political importance. The Congress is witnessing discussions about leadership, while the controversy over the alleged sting operation has created another challenge for the party.
Ministers, legislators attend meeting
The participation of ministers and legislators in the breakfast meeting has therefore attracted attention. Initially it was called for a meeting with around 12 MLAs including ministers Narendra Swamy and other close associates of Siddaramaiah like former Backward Class Commission chairman Jayaprakash Hegde and others. Later ministers KH Muniyappa, and UT Khader also attended the meeting.
The meeting was an attempt to strengthen coordination among Siddaramaiah's supporters. However, there has been no official announcement that the gathering was organised as a show of strength, a leader who attended the meeting told The Federal.
Dissatisfaction over alleged sting operation
The alleged sting operation was also discussed during the meeting. Siddaramaiah is said to have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the progress of the police investigation, sources said.
Also read: Siddaramaiah 'sting operation’: Police say 'fabricated and deliberately constructed'
He said to have questioned why those allegedly responsible for conducting the sting operation had not been arrested yet. He felt that the investigation should have progressed further by this stage. Siddaramaiah has said to have stressed the need to identify those behind the alleged blackmail attempt and conduct a comprehensive investigation.
The controversy has become politically sensitive because the video is allegedly connected to an incident involving Siddaramaiah. The circumstances surrounding its recording, preparation and circulation have led to questions about whether there was a larger political conspiracy.
Yatindra's meeting and the political message
Yatindra's role in convening the breakfast meeting has also attracted attention. As Siddaramaiah's son, his political activities are often closely watched for possible indications of the former chief minister's plans.
The breakfast meeting signals that Siddaramaiah is continuing to engage actively with party leaders.
Also read: Is Congress losing its edge? Karnataka MLC results raise bigger question
The Constitution Day programme offers a platform to bring AHINDA leaders, ministers and legislators together. At the same time, the alleged sting operation remains an important issue, with Siddaramaiah reportedly demanding faster progress in the investigation.
The coming weeks may reveal whether the Mysuru event remains primarily a Constitution Day programme or also becomes an occasion to display Siddaramaiah’s political influence within the Congress.
