Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 3: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar revealed on Monday that All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge has instructed party members not to discuss the issue of the state’s chief minister’s post.
Speaking to reporters at the Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar responded to questions regarding the ongoing discussions about power-sharing within the party. He said, “Kharge has instructed us not to discuss the issue of power-sharing, and I am committed to his words.”
When asked about former Union Minister Veerappa Moily’s comment that no one could stop him from becoming the chief minister, Shivakumar replied, “Veerappa Moily has expressed his personal opinion. I will not comment on it, nor is there any need to discuss it any further.”
File photo
However, the BJP was quick to respond to these statements. State BJP president B Y Vijayendra pointed out that Moily’s remark seemed to indicate that Shivakumar would soon assume the role of chief minister. Vijayendra also cited a claim made by a Congress MLA that Shivakumar would become CM in December.
Vijayendra referenced a statement made by Shivakumar during the winter session in Belagavi, when he had mentioned that an astrologer advised him to seize power forcefully if it was not granted to him. Vijayendra said, “Now, Shivakumar has reminded us of that statement. To whom was this reminder directed? That is a question Shivakumar must answer.”
The BJP leader also commented on remarks Shivakumar made regarding the film festival controversy. “He warned that he would ‘tighten the screws’ on film artistes. However, this statement was not meant for the film industry—it was directed at Congress leaders who are obstructing his path to the chief minister’s post,” Vijayendra added.
Vijayendra concluded, “I am stating clearly that the competition for the chief minister’s post within the Congress party will only intensify. There is no doubt that Karnataka will witness swift political developments in the coming days.”
Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge addressed the issue, stating that neither Moily nor any other leader had set a timeline for Shivakumar to become chief minister. “They are not saying Shivakumar will become chief minister today at noon or tomorrow. They are simply acknowledging that one day he will be rewarded for his hard work. So be it. The high command will decide that,” he said.
Kharge further emphasised the clear roles within the party, saying, “Our responsibilities are clear—Siddaramaiah is the chief minister, Shivakumar is the KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister, and I am the minister. We each have defined roles.”
He also addressed Congress MLA Basavaraju Shivaganga’s claim that Shivakumar would assume the CM post in December, stating, “That is his opinion. But such opinions should be expressed where they hold value—within the high command.”
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, responding to Veerappa Moily’s statement, said, “If Shivakumar’s party decides and the MLAs support him, he can become the chief minister. But do not insult the sitting chief minister. He is presenting the budget on March 7. If he is labelled an ‘outgoing chief minister,’ what respect and honour will remain for the budget he is presenting?”
Ravi also expressed sympathy for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying, “We are not dismissing Veerappa Moily’s statements—we are from the BJP. However, seeing the plight of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a senior leader, we feel sorry for him.”
M.B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, also weighed in, saying, “Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi are there—they are the final authority. Moily is a senior leader of the party. The high command will take action regarding his statement. If you have questions about whether it was a pre-determined decision, ask him directly.”
Minister for Labour Santosh Lad concluded, “All these matters are left to the high command. Moily has expressed his opinion, and two or three MLAs out of 140 may have also voiced theirs. Everyone's opinion is important. I cannot express my personal opinion, nor am I in a position to do so. In the end, everyone must come to the party platform.”
As discussions and speculations continue regarding the chief minister’s post, political tensions within the Congress party appear to be rising. With several leaders offering conflicting views on the leadership issue, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.