Kharge blames local leaders for Karnataka Congress confusion

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has publicly stated that the ongoing leadership tussle in Karnataka is caused by certain local leaders, not the party’s high command. Speaking to presspersons in Kalaburagi, Kharge stressed that the high command has not created confusion in the state unit, and those seeking clarity should understand the party’s collective functioning and decision-making process.

Leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar

The tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has been ongoing for over two months. Both leaders’ camps have been issuing public statements in their favor, reflecting a power struggle within the Karnataka Congress unit.

With the government crossing the midway mark of its tenure on November 20, speculation around a possible power-sharing agreement has intensified. Followers of both leaders are looking to the party high command for resolution and guidance.

Shivakumar’s outreach to consolidate support

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar recently met former minister K.N. Rajanna, who has been openly supporting CM Siddaramaiah to complete the full five-year term. Sources indicate that Shivakumar’s objective was to offer a truce and bring leaders into consensus as he increases pressure on the Chief Minister.

Shivakumar also met Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another Siddaramaiah confidant, to seek cooperation. When questioned about his meeting with Rajanna, Shivakumar emphasized that Rajanna has longstanding ties with multiple Congress leaders, including himself, and that all leaders are working together for party unity.

Statements emphasizing unity and transparency

Kharge urged leaders not to project the Congress as dependent on a single individual, stating:

“No one should claim that they alone brought the party to power or built the Congress. The party has been built by its workers. Every leader and worker had a role in strengthening the party.”

Shivakumar also denied any internal differences, claiming that confusion is a creation of the BJP and the media, and reiterated that he has maintained a harmonious working relationship with the Chief Minister for 16 years.

Delhi visits and high command intervention

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are scheduled to visit Delhi to meet central party leaders. Shivakumar aims to push for his case during these meetings, while Siddaramaiah is likely to attend the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting next week.

Meanwhile, Rajanna clarified that discussions focused on strengthening the party, and stressed that the high command remains the ultimate authority on leadership decisions.

Political implications and speculation

The Karnataka Congress leadership tussle has political analysts speculating about potential impacts on governance and party strategy ahead of upcoming elections. The power-sharing narrative and the intervention of high command are closely monitored by party members, media, and opposition parties.

The ongoing saga reflects the delicate balance between state-level ambitions and central leadership directives, highlighting the role of internal party mechanisms in maintaining cohesion and avoiding factionalism.

Conclusion

As the Karnataka Congress navigates its leadership challenges, Kharge’s remarks underline that the blame lies with local leaders rather than the high command. The upcoming visits to Delhi by both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar could provide clarity, with the party hoping to maintain unity and focus on governance while addressing internal differences.

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