Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah summoned to Delhi amid fresh speculation over leadership change in state

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will meet Congress party leadership in Delhi tomorrow, three years into the party’s tenure in the state. The Congress central leadership summoned him today amid renewed speculation concerning a leadership change in Karnataka.

The Chief Minister is expected to meet Rahul Gandhi during his visit. Discussions may include the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections and preparations for the Legislative Council elections, though the precise purpose remains unclear. Political circles are also speculating that issues related to cabinet reshuffle and power-sharing arrangements may be on the agenda.

The meeting comes amid a prolonged dispute over the Chief Minister’s position between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Over the past 18 months, Shivakumar’s supporters have repeatedly asserted that he would soon take over as Chief Minister, though this transition has not occurred.

Discontent is reportedly growing within the state unit, with several leaders urging the high command to end the confusion quickly. They argue that the prolonged uncertainty is hurting the party’s image in Karnataka. Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar told reporters on Sunday that he was unaware of the Congress leadership’s summons and had no information regarding the matter.

The leadership-sharing issue gained further momentum after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its tenure in November last year, reigniting speculation over a possible rotational chief minister arrangement between the two senior leaders. So far, the central leadership has avoided making a final decision.

المصدر: Swarajya