Exclusive: Congress High Command to intervene at ‘right time’ over CM change in Karnataka

Bengaluru

As Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) D K Shivakumar are locked in shadow-boxing, the Congress High Command, which is closely monitoring the developments, will intervene at the right time over a possible power shift at the top.

A source close to All India Congress Committee (AICC) chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi revealed to blrpost.com that the party leadership will take a final call when the time is conducive. This stand of the High Command suggests that it lacks clarity and willpower to execute the power-sharing pact allegedly arrived at between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

On December 19, Shivakumar, while talking to the media, categorically said, “The CM and I have reached an agreement. The High Command has forged this agreement, and both of us will go by it.” He made this statement after Siddaramaiah’s claims on power-pact in the Assembly on the same day.

Siddaramaiah, while speaking in the Assembly during the winter session at Belagavi, said, “I am confident that the High Command will allow me to complete a five-year term.” He added, “I feel that the High Command is on my side, but I will abide by the High Command’s decision.”

However, even as both spar over the lucrative post, they have also put up a display of brotherhood, claiming, “We are working for the party and Karnataka state like brothers.” In all this, what is clearly visible is Siddaramaiah’s reluctance to give up the post, which has effectively led to an impasse.

When asked about the alleged lack of clarity in the High Command, the source said, “There is absolutely no confusion at the High Command level. Mallikarjun Kharge has made his stand very clear to both the state leaders, and he will intervene at the appropriate time to resolve the issue.”

An independent expert said it appears Siddaramaiah is in no mood to vacate the post. If the High Command ousts him, he and his loyalists could ensure the collapse of the government, as he enjoys the support of a considerable number of MLAs. The BJP is expecting that the government may fall and the state may witness early elections.