In the race for the chief minister’s post in Karnataka, tensions have been running high within the state’s Congress party. As the battle between two prominent leaders, DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, intensifies, both have made bold claims about their respective positions of strength.
DK Shivakumar, the Karnataka Congress president, made a strong pitch for the chief minister’s role by stating that he considers himself a single-man majority. Refusing to disclose the exact numbers of support he has garnered, Shivakumar emphasized his unwavering determination and resilience. He alluded to the challenges faced by the coalition government in the past five years, highlighting how he did not lose hope even when the government collapsed and several MLAs defected.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah, another key contender for the chief minister’s position, has claimed that he enjoys the support of a larger number of MLAs. Siddaramaiah, a prominent leader within the party, has a strong political track record, having previously served as the chief minister of Karnataka from 2013 to 2018. His experience and leadership qualities have garnered significant attention and support within the Congress party.
The internal power struggle has led both leaders to seek the intervention of the party’s high command. Siddaramaiah has already arrived in the national capital, New Delhi, where the final decision regarding the chief minister’s post will be made. On the other hand, DK Shivakumar has cited a stomach infection as the reason for his absence from the meeting in New Delhi.
The MLAs, in an attempt to resolve the leadership issue, recently empowered Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior Congress leader, to make the final decision on selecting the chief minister. Kharge’s role in this process is crucial, as he holds the responsibility of assessing the strengths and capabilities of both contenders and making an impartial decision that aligns with the party’s best interests.
As the Congress high command deliberates on the matter, party members and supporters anxiously await the outcome. The decision will not only shape the future leadership of Karnataka but also have broader implications for the state’s political landscape. The chosen leader will need to navigate the challenges of governance, address the concerns of the people, and strengthen the party’s position ahead of future elections.
In the coming days, it remains to be seen how the power struggle within the Karnataka Congress will unfold. The party’s high command will carefully evaluate the claims made by both DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, considering their past performances, popularity among party members and MLAs, and the potential for effective leadership. Ultimately, the decision will reflect the party’s strategy to regain momentum and position itself as a formidable force in the state’s political arena.