After Congress’s May 2023 Karnataka election victory, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar fiercely vied for the CM role, fueling ongoing speculation about Siddaramaiah’s CM Removal as high command deliberates.
Kharge’s comment comes as discussions about DK Shivakumar taking Siddaramaiah’s place as chief minister have been stoked by Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala’s visit to Bengaluru.
Regarding the discussions to replace the Karnataka chief minister in October, Kharge stated…
That is in the hands of the high command, nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command; they have the power to take further action, but unnecessarily, one should not create a problem.”
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar might have a chance to take over as the state’s chief minister in the next two to three months, according to a statement made earlier on Sunday by Karnataka Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain.
“You all know what our (Congress’s) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar’s) strategy and programmes are history now. I don’t believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity,”
— When asked if Shivakumar had a chance to become chief minister, Hussain responded.
Will the Chief Minister of Karnataka be replaced? Will the KPCC Have a New President?
“Yes, I’m saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months.”
— Hussain responded when asked if Shivakumar, the president of the state Congress, would be appointed chief minister this year.
Congress Leadership’s Role
Kharge noted Congress high command, key in 2023 Karnataka polls, decides Siddaramaiah’s CM Removal.
We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too. We’ll just have to watch and wait,” he stated.
Additionally, K N Rajanna, the minister of cooperation, has recently alluded to “revolutionary” political changes that will occur in the state after September.
Fierce CM Race
Due to an alleged power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, there has been persistent speculation about a leadership change within the ruling Congress.
Post-Congress’s May 2023 Karnataka win, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar fiercely competed for the CM post, amid talks of Siddaramaiah’s CM Removal.
Shivakumar was persuaded to accept the position of Deputy Chief Minister by the Congress.
