Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he will follow the Congress high command's decision regarding the state's leadership.
The statement comes amid ongoing speculation and rumors of a leadership tussle between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for the chief minister position. This internal dynamic is critical for the stability of the state government and the party's regional influence.
Shivakumar said he dismissed rumors of a rift with Siddaramaiah. He said he would travel to Delhi if summoned by the party's high command [1, 2]. The leadership tension has persisted for three years [1].
Siddaramaiah also addressed the situation. "The decision rests with the party's high command," Siddaramaiah said [3].
Both leaders have publicly stated they will await direction from the central party leadership, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge [1, 2, 3]. The public alignment of both officials suggests an effort to project unity despite the reported friction over the top post in Bengaluru [1, 2].
“"The decision rests with the party's high command."”
The public deference to the Congress high command indicates that the resolution of the Karnataka leadership struggle will be decided centrally rather than through local negotiation. By framing the issue as a matter of party discipline, both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah avoid open conflict while keeping their respective claims to the chief minister's office active.
