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New Delhi: The top 2 leaders of Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi. Both of them have checked into Karnataka Bhavan in the capital's Chanakyapuri area. Their arrival is marked by a buzz in political circles about a change of guard in the state. The talks surrounding the future of both the leaders refuses to die down, even after the Congress party having clarified repeatedly that no change in the CM's face is planned for the state.
The buzz however refuses to die down and in fact it gained further momentum after DK Shivakumar decided to occupy the CM's suite in the new annexe building in the Karnataka Bhavan, following his arrival Tuesday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah landed in the national capital on Wednesday and he chose to stay at the CM suite in the old bhavan building, reported Indian Express.
According to reports, during his last visit, Sioddaramaiah had stayed at the new annexe’s CM suite and had not liked its facilities. According to sources, he had complained of the poor ventilation and shifted to the old annexure building.
Sources said that Shivakumar moved into the annexe suite as it was empty. He reportedly took Siddaramaiah's permission before moving in there.
On Wednesday both the leaders held separate press conferences. But they went to meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh together. After the meeting Siddaramaiah returned to Karnataka Bhavan, while Shivakumar chose to visit Connaught Place to see a multi-level car parking there.
In Karnataka Bhavan, Siddaramaiah addressed a press conference and informed that he may meet Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi on Thursday afternoon. The meeting will happen only if he gets an appointment with the Congress leader.
DK Shivakumar also went to meet Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi. He reportedly put forward his case of taking over as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, after 2.5 years of SIddaramaiah's tenure. A senior Congress functionary however said that nothing much is expected out of this meeting, as the Congress would not want to risk losing power in the state at this point. He said that Siddaramaiah is among the top OBC leaders in the state and commands mass support. The Congress is well aware of his status in Karnataka.
Shivakumar meanwhile remained tight-lipped about his meeting with Priyanka Gandhi. He said, "I visited the place", when questioned by reporters. He also dismissed reports of a change in leadership in the state in the near future. He said that currently no Cabinet reshuffle was planned in the state.Shivakumar claimed that he and Siddaramaiah were in Delhi to discuss several state-related issues with Union Ministers.
The top 2 leaders of Karnataka have been caught in a power tussle ever since the Congress defeated the BJP in May 2023 and returned to power in Karnataka. Some leaders of the Congress from the Shivakumar camp had stated at the time that the party will follow a rotational formula and after Siddaramaiah completes 2.5 years as CM, the latter will take over. The Congress Party however never confirmed any such agreement with Shivakumar.
