Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed claims made by Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna regarding potential political shifts within the state government. Rajanna's statements, hinting at significant changes after September and the presence of multiple power centers within the Congress, have been refuted by Siddaramaiah, who suggested that Rajanna's remarks should be ignored.
Rajanna's initial comments stirred considerable debate, fueling speculation about internal conflict within the Congress party. He stated that the state would witness major political changes after September, implying a possible leadership change, a new party president, or a significant cabinet reshuffle. Rajanna also suggested that Siddaramaiah was governing under pressure, pointing to the existence of multiple power centers as a contributing factor. He contrasted the current situation with Siddaramaiah's first tenure as Chief Minister (2013-2018), when he claimed Siddaramaiah was the sole power center. He said now there is a state party president and party leadership in Delhi frequently interferes in the state's matters and it is no longer possible for one person to take decisions independently.
Siddaramaiah's response was direct and dismissive. He rejected Rajanna's claims of internal disputes and potential political shifts, asserting that there was no internal dispute. He downplayed the significance of Rajanna's statements, suggesting they were not worth paying attention to. Other Congress leaders have also weighed in on the matter. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar distanced himself from Rajanna's remarks, stating he was unaware of the context and would need to speak with him. Shivakumar also refuted suggestions that Siddaramaiah had lost control over the government, dismissing such claims as media exaggerations.
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi acknowledged that some minor changes might occur but said that no major changes are likely. State Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated he did not know on what basis Rajanna had made his statements. Housing and Minority Affairs Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan stated that the Congress party functions under the high command, who can make decisions at any time.
The controversy has also drawn reactions from outside the Congress. Expelled BJP MLA S.T. Somashekar dismissed Rajanna's statements, attributing them to a loss of mental balance due to his age.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of existing rumors regarding a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Some reports suggest that Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for the first 30 months, with Shivakumar taking over for the remainder of the term. This agreement, reportedly brokered by the Congress high command after the 2023 Assembly polls, adds another layer of complexity to the current political dynamics.
Amid the escalating concerns, Siddaramaiah has initiated damage control measures. He has reportedly met with disgruntled leaders, urging them to refrain from public complaints and promising to address their concerns internally. He also met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders in Delhi, where he was instructed to manage internal dissent and protect the party's public image.
