Speculation on leadership change in Karnataka surfaces again
The internal bickering in the Congress seems to be only increasing. The party, which is still smarting from the embarrassment caused by its legislators who spoke of a lack of development and alleged corruption in the Housing Department, found itself in the spotlight again as Ramanagara legislator H.A. Iqbal Hussain on Sunday reignited the issue of change of guard in the government.
While Mr. Hussain, a close aide of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, indicated that Mr. Shivakumar could get the chance at becoming the Chief Minister in the next two to three months, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, seen in the Chief Minister's inner circle, clarified that there was no confusion on the Chief Minister's position and that Mr. Siddaramaiah would complete the full term.
'I do not believe in rumours. We are confident that Mr. Shivakumar will get the opportunity (to become the Chief Minister),' Mr. Hussain told reporters in Ramanagara. When asked if Mr. Shivakumar would become the Chief Minister this year, he said: 'I am saying that the date given for a revolutionary political change (in September, by Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna) is the same. A decision would be arrived at in the next two to three months.'
When his attention was drawn to Mr. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra, a MLC, claiming that the change of leadership was only a speculation, the Ramanagara legislator said an agreement had been reached when the Chief Minister was chosen in 2023. 'Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge decided on it (Chief Minister's post). Everyone knows about it (rotation of tenure). We were all there in Delhi. At an appropriate time, the high command will take appropriate decision. We will have to wait and I am confident that he (Mr. Shivakumar) will be given the opportunity.'
Mr. Hussain's comment is being seen as response to Mr. Rajanna's statement on a revolutionary political change in September — possibly hinting at change of KPCC president — last week, and his remarks are being viewed as hitting back at the Chief Minister's camp.
In Mysuru, Dr. Mahadevappa claimed that there was no confusion over the post of the Chief Minister, and that Mr. Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the Dasara festival in September. He said Mr. Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister and the party will complete its full term. On Mr. Hussain's claim of an agreement to make Mr. Shivakumar as the Chief Minister in the coming months, Dr. Mahadevappa said he had no information about such an agreement and said the reports about such an agreement could only be speculative.
On the remarks of a possible revolution in three months, he said the MLAs themselves should be asked about their perception of revolution. 'Some legislators keep making statements as per their convenience. Revolutions will always be taking place to protect democracy and the Constitution,' he said.
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