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Shivakumar’s comments on Karnataka CM sets political circles abuzz
As the camps of chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar engage in war of words, internal divisions within the state unit of Congress have come on the forefront
As the Congress-led Karnataka government struggles to fulfil its election promises, internal divisions between its top leaders have come to the forefront. The camps of chief minister Siddaramaiah and deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar are engaged in a war of words, each vying for the coveted top post, people familiar with the matter said.
Shivakumar on Tuesday said that he would not have backed down from proceeding with the steel flyover project, unlike Siddaramaiah, who withdrew support during the previous Congress government’s tenure after criticism and public backlash.
“In the previous Siddaramaiah government, a proposal to construct a steel bridge saw a significant opposition. Siddaramaiah got scared and abandoned the project. If it were up to me, I would have pushed forward,” Shivakumar asserted.
During the 514th birth anniversary celebrations of Kempegowda, Shivakumar participated in various events and made a statement suggesting, “Someone worked hard, but somebody else is enjoying.”
Shivakumar elaborated, “When this building (Vidhana Soudha) was constructed, workers carried stones with chains on their legs because there were no machines back then. Those who built it never got to stay here. Now, we sit and hold court. Some work hard while others reap the benefits, and it has always been this way.”
Speculation is rife within the corridors of Vidhana Soudha that Shivakumar’s statements are aimed at chief minister Siddaramaiah, who faced staunch opposition from the KPCC president in his bid for the CM position. Following the announcement of the election results, Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah spent several days in Delhi before finalizing the chief minister’s name.
Shivakumar had contended before the Congress high command that his hard work as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president was instrumental in the party’s victory in the assembly polls. After numerous deliberations, the high command placated Shivakumar by offering him the position of deputy CM. However, Shivakumar reportedly has ambitions of becoming CM after 2.5 years.
“While the party may not publicly acknowledge it, there is a power-sharing arrangement. The deputy CM has remained silent at the party’s behest, but Siddaramaiah’s followers have been boasting that he will continue as CM,” revealed a close associate of DK Shivakumar.
The leader further stated that while Shivakumar initially decided not to make the issue public, it has now been deemed necessary to provide a fitting response. The leader referred to statements made by senior ministers last week affirming that Siddaramaiah would serve a full five-year term as CM. Social Welfare minister HC Mahadevappa, during a media interaction in Mysuru on June 18, said, “He will continue to be the chief minister for a full five-year term.”
PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi echoed this sentiment, questioning media reports suggesting power-sharing within the party. “Siddaramaiah is currently the chief minister, and I believe he will continue to be. There is no discussion on power-sharing. Ultimately, it is the party’s decision,” Jarkiholi added.
Earlier this month, industries minister MB Patil sparked controversy by asserting that there was no seat-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. “AICC general secretary KC Venugopal stated in a press conference that Siddaramaiah will remain CM for five years,” Patil had emphasized.
Amidst the ongoing tussle over the chief minister’s post within the Congress party’s state unit, Nalin Kumar Kateel, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state president, predicted that the current government would collapse before the end of this year. “Be assured that this government will collapse before December,” Kateel declared in response to questions about the alleged power struggle within the Congress party over the chief minister’s position.
