Image Credit: Deccan Herald
Exclusive: Rahul Gandhi yet to clear D K Shivakumar as Karnataka CM
Bengaluru
Despite Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge reportedly backing Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for the post of Karnataka Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is yet to give his consent for a leadership change, sources familiar with the development told blrpost.com.
The delay suggests that Shivakumar may have to make a stronger case before Rahul Gandhi to stake claim to the top post. Sources said Rahul Gandhi is currently not inclined to initiate any change in the state leadership.
Sources close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he has no objection to stepping down if directed by the party high command. However, they added that Siddaramaiah is likely to place certain conditions before relinquishing the post, primarily to safeguard the interests of his loyalists.
According to sources, Kharge and Sonia Gandhi are backing Shivakumar in view of his steadfast loyalty to the Congress, which he has demonstrated repeatedly. They cited his refusal to waver even during his incarceration in Tihar Jail while facing legal cases. Both leaders are said to be awaiting Rahul Gandhi’s final decision, as he is expected to take an independent call on the matter.
Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is expected to press for specific assurances to protect his supporters in the event of a power transition. Sources indicated that these negotiations could stretch over the next two to three months.
Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, has been lobbying with the party high command, citing the alleged 2.5-year power-sharing understanding between him and Siddaramaiah. According to Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah had assured him of handing over the baton before assuming office as Chief Minister.
In November 2024, Shivakumar made a cryptic social media post urging Siddaramaiah to honour the promise. The Chief Minister responded with a counter-post, stating that he was fulfilling the promises made to the people of Karnataka. The public exchange underscored the growing rift between the two leaders.