Amidst ongoing speculation regarding internal strife within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister and state party president D.K. Shivakumar has stated his commitment to adhering to the party line, remarking that "only time will answer" the questions surrounding the leadership. This comes amid renewed focus on potential discord within the party, particularly concerning the Chief Minister's position.
Tensions within the Karnataka Congress have been simmering for some time, with reports of a power struggle emerging between D.K. Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The crux of the issue revolves around the possibility of a change in leadership, particularly as the Siddaramaiah government completes half of its term. Some within the party believe Shivakumar is deserving of the Chief Minister's post, given his role as Deputy CM and state Congress President.
Adding fuel to the fire, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister's son, recently claimed that the party high command has already decided his father will remain in the position for the full five-year term. These remarks were perceived by some as a counter to Congress MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj, a staunch Shivakumar supporter who had urged the party high command to clarify the leadership situation.
In response to the ongoing speculation and apparent calls for intervention from the high command, Minister Priyank Kharge stated that the party leadership, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, would step in when necessary and make an appropriate decision. He cautioned against discussing such sensitive matters publicly, emphasizing that it serves no purpose.
Shivakumar has attempted to downplay any suggestion of discontent within the party. Earlier this year, he asserted that there were no issues and that visits from national leaders were simply to review party affairs and organizational matters in preparation for upcoming elections. He also stressed the importance of discipline within the party, referencing a notice issued to an MLA and cautioning against creating unnecessary speculation about potential candidates for Chief Minister when Siddaramaiah already holds the position.
Responding to allegations that Muslims were not invited to a recent foundation stone laying programme, Shivakumar defended the Congress's secular principles, stating, "The Congress does politics based on principles, not on caste. We need people from all castes and religions. We do not do politics based on caste or religion. Such allegations are made by people who are driven by jealousy".
The coming weeks and months will likely be crucial in determining the future leadership and direction of the Karnataka Congress. While Shivakumar maintains he will abide by the party's decisions, the underlying tensions and ambitions within the party remain palpable. The "only time will answer" sentiment suggests a degree of uncertainty and a reliance on future events to dictate the course of action.