The debate over the Chief Minister’s post in the Karnataka Congress has resurfaced once again, creating fresh political buzz. Comments made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, followed by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s measured reaction, have reignited discussions within party circles.
Yathindra Claims Siddaramaiah Will Serve Full Term
On Monday, Yathindra stated that Siddaramaiah would continue as Chief Minister for the full term. He further claimed that the Congress high command had rejected DK Shivakumar’s demand to take over the CM post midway through the tenure, as previously speculated.
When reporters in Bengaluru asked DK Shivakumar about these remarks, he chose not to escalate the matter. Responding calmly, he said, “Very happy. Everything should go well, and the state should do well.”
Supporters Raise Slogans for DK Shivakumar in Belagavi
While DK maintained composure, the political atmosphere around him turned more charged. As he arrived at the Belagavi airport for the winter session, his supporters broke into loud slogans declaring, “DK is the next CM.”
Adding to the stir, MLC Channaraj Hattiholi, brother of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar and a close associate of DK, referred to him as “Chief Minister” in a social media post. He also dismissed Yathindra’s remarks as unnecessary and insisted that only the party high command would make the final decision at the appropriate time.
Senior Leaders Call for Discipline
Amid the rising noise, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stepped in to calm the situation. He asserted that the party had no internal confusion and reaffirmed that the high command’s decision would be final. However, he urged leaders and supporters to exercise restraint and avoid making provocative public statements.
Internal Power Tussle Surfaces Again
Despite senior leaders downplaying the issue, the reactions from both camps reveal that the power struggle over the CM position continues to simmer beneath the surface. The renewed comments, slogans, and social media posts have once again put Karnataka Congress’s internal dynamics under the spotlight.
