North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: There seems to be an earthquake once again in the politics of Karnataka. The ongoing ‘power game’ between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has now moved from the streets of Bengaluru to the corridors of Delhi. It is reported that about 30 Congress MLAs are currently camping in Delhi. This sudden movement has heated up the market of speculation regarding the future of the state government and major changes in the cabinet. With the completion of two and a half year tenure in Karnataka, the demand for change of leadership and cabinet expansion has gained momentum.
Cabinet expansion or leadership change? What is the demand of the MLAs?
This group of MLAs who reached Delhi is pressurizing the party high command for cabinet reshuffle. These MLAs argue that it is about to be three years since the government came to power, hence new faces should get a chance. According to reports, these MLAs want at least 20 ministers to be removed from the current cabinet and replaced with senior and experienced MLAs. A large group of MLAs are seeking an appointment with Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and state in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala in Delhi.
Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar: factionalism comes to the fore
This ongoing tussle in Karnataka Congress seems to be divided between two groups. On one side is the camp of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which seems to be in favor of cabinet reshuffle so that the disgruntled MLAs can be pacified. On the other hand, DK Shivakumar’s camp is talking about change of leadership while reminding them of the ‘power-sharing’ agreement. Shivkumar supporters believe that now the time has come that DK Shivkumar should be handed over the post of Chief Minister. The presence of MLAs in Delhi has further fueled this infighting.
Is Siddaramaiah’s chair in danger?
Although Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has described the Delhi visit as normal and said that the MLAs have every right to meet the high command, but the internal reality is telling something else. MLAs say that KC Venugopal and Surjewala had promised reshuffle after two and a half years, which has not been completed yet. If the high command accepts the demands of these MLAs, then Siddaramaiah will have to do a major surgery in his cabinet, which can be politically challenging for him.
Veterans gathered in Delhi keep an eye on the decision of the high command
The delegation that reached Delhi includes veteran leaders like Ashok Pattan, SN Narayanswami and Belur Gopalkrishna. These leaders say that they are not against anyone, but want change to strengthen the organization. Now the ball is in the court of the Congress high command. It remains to be seen whether Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will be able to solve this crisis in Karnataka or whether this dispute will deepen further in the coming days.
