Karnataka CM Row LIVE: Siddaramaiah Agrees To Go To Delhi On High Command's Order

Bengaluru – The ongoing power tussle within the Karnataka Congress has taken a new turn as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has agreed to travel to Delhi following the high command's instructions. This development comes amidst intensified speculation regarding a change in leadership in the state, fueled by a rumored power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The Congress government in Karnataka recently completed half of its five-year term on November 20, triggering renewed discussions about a potential change in guard. According to sources, a purported agreement was made in 2023, suggesting that Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister for the remaining term. However, the Congress party has consistently denied the existence of any such arrangement.

Adding to the drama, a group of Congress MLAs, reportedly loyal to Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, have been camping in Delhi, advocating for his elevation to the Chief Minister's position. These MLAs have been actively meeting with the party's high command to express their support for Shivakumar. In response to these developments, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that he would abide by the high command's decision on the leadership change. "We will abide by the high command decision. If they decide I should continue (as CM), I will continue. Ultimately, whatever the high command decides, I should accept it. Shivakumar should also accept it," Siddaramaiah told reporters.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has downplayed the reports of internal strife, asserting that the party is united and focused on the upcoming 2028 assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. Shivakumar also remained tight-lipped about a message he supposedly received from Rahul Gandhi amid the swirling speculations. He hinted at a possible visit to Delhi to meet with the party's high command in the coming days.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has acknowledged the power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, emphasizing that the party's high command, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, will make a decision to resolve the crisis. "The high command - myself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it," Kharge said.

Amidst the uncertainty, Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi revealed that Siddaramaiah has urged the Congress high command to clarify the leadership issue at the earliest. Jarkiholi also mentioned that he would seek time to meet with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the matter.

The coming days are crucial as the Congress high command is expected to deliberate and make a final decision on the leadership issue before the Parliament session commences on December 1. The decision will determine the future course of the Congress government in Karnataka and either reinforce the leadership of Siddaramaiah or pave the way for DK Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister's office.