Amidst swirling rumors of leadership change and internal strife within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has vehemently denied allegations of groupism, asserting that recent meetings between party loyalists and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge were solely aimed at securing cabinet positions. Shivakumar's strong rebuttal comes in the wake of increased speculation regarding a potential reshuffle of the state cabinet and growing discontent within the Congress's Karnataka unit.
"It's not in my blood to encourage groupism," Shivakumar declared emphatically to reporters. He clarified that any meetings held between his supporters and Kharge were purely for the purpose of lobbying for ministerial berths in the anticipated cabinet expansion. Shivakumar, who also serves as the KPCC President, downplayed suggestions of a power struggle with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterating his commitment to party unity and collective governance.
The denial follows reports that the Congress high command had rebuffed attempts by both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to meet in Delhi, further fueling speculation about potential leadership changes. According to sources, the high command is wary of engaging with individuals perceived to be lobbying for positions amidst the ongoing discussions about a cabinet reshuffle.
The political climate in Karnataka has been turbulent, with murmurs of discontent surfacing within the ruling Congress government. Fueling the fire, Congress leader Veerappa Moily recently stated that "nobody can stop" D.K. Shivakumar from becoming Karnataka Chief Minister, adding grist to the rumor mill. These comments have intensified the scrutiny on the relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, with some observers suggesting a power tussle is brewing between the two leaders.
Shivakumar has publicly acknowledged the need for result-oriented leadership within the cabinet, hinting at a potential reshuffle to weed out non-performing ministers. He stressed the importance of ministers actively engaging at the Taluk level to address the concerns of the people and ensure effective governance.
Adding another layer of complexity, there have been suggestions that Mallikarjun Kharge himself might be considered for the Chief Minister's position to quell the tensions between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions. Some reports even suggested that Kharge's son, Priyank Kharge, could wield significant influence in such a scenario. However, these speculations remain unconfirmed.
As the political drama unfolds, Shivakumar remains steadfast in his denial of groupism and his commitment to the Congress party. He maintains that his focus is on strengthening the party's position in Karnataka and delivering effective governance to the people. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining the future leadership structure and the direction of the Congress government in Karnataka.
