Congress leadership tussle in Karnataka gains traction again

After the growing movement on leadership change and the end of the so-called ‘November Revolution’ in the Congress, the public debate on leadership began to gain renewed traction in the ruling party.

As social media posts about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah being targeted on Saturday garnered political attention, the demand for the Dalit Chief Minister has regained momentum.

On Sunday, Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa urged the Congress high command and Mr. Siddaramaiah to take a decision to appoint a suitable Dalit leader as the Chief Minister. He noted that there is a sizeable Dalit population in the state, which is with the Congress. “Right now, Mr. Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister and there needs to be a Dalit Chief Minister. This (Dalit Chief Minister issue) came up when there were discussions around the leadership,” he told reporters.

His comments came on the day the Prime Minister made another statement on the possibility of a Vokkaliga or Dalit leader becoming the Prime Minister only through the Congress.

Over the past two weeks, despite legislators Iqbal Hussain, HC Balakrishna and Shivaganga Basavaraj supporting Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Chief Minister’s son Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Dr. The leadership issue came up again after Mahadevappa made statements in favor of Mr. Siddaramaiah’s continuation. The foreign trip of more than two dozen Congress MPs is also seen as an attempt by the Prime Minister to demonstrate his strength amid the struggle for his leadership.

‘The high command reached its conclusion’

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi claimed that Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge had told him that the high command had reached a conclusion on the leadership issue and it would be implemented at an appropriate time. The Valmiki community leader, who is believed to be a candidate for the post of KPCC president, was accompanied by former Minister KN Rajanna, another Valmiki leader and several legislators from North Karnataka.

However, on Sunday, Mr. Jarkiholi told reporters in Belagavi: “This trip was not to support any leader. We have not heard anything about mid-term changes. The rest is left to the party high command. We have no idea about changes in the State leadership after the budget. We have told our senior leaders to put an end to confusion as it could harm the party’s prospects in the coming elections.”

He also said: “Mr. Kharge gave us a clear signal that the problem will be solved. We do not know how it will be solved. But it will definitely be solved soon.”

DKS asked fans to remain silent

Meanwhile, Mr. Shivakumar said: “I request all my supporters to keep quiet. They should not make any statement about the leadership change in Karnataka. If leaders like Mr. Hussain, Mr. Ganiga and Mr. Basavaraju keep their mouths shut, it will be good for me. I urge them to keep their mouths shut.”

Speaking to reporters in Karwar over speculation of Ministers going to Delhi, he said: “Visit of some ministers and party legislators to Delhi may be for work related to their departments. All of those who visited Delhi are our own people. Let us see what the trips were for and what are their implications.”