Tussle In Karnataka Congress Over Change In CM Post Continues (image-instagram/siddaramaiah_official, dkshivakumar_official)

The crisis in Karnataka Congress continues as the debate over a potential cabinet reshuffle failed to reach a consensus. The Congress unit is discussing the State Congress chief and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar’s demand for Chief Ministerial post, and possibility of three more Deputy Chief Ministers in Karnataka.

DK Shivakumar met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi on Sunday. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah who was in New Delhi held a confidential meeting with Rahul Gandhi on Saturday evening. The matter of the discussion in the two meetings were not disclosed.

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Tracing the latest reports, journalist Swati Chaturvedi wrote on X: “Huge crisis for the Congress government in Karnataka. DKS signalling that he won’t accept status quo.”

Huge crisis for the Congress government in Karnataka. DKS signalling that he won’t accept status quo

— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) July 1, 2024

Shivakumar has urged partymen to “shut their mouth” in the interest of the party and also requested not to interfere in political matters.

There is also a growing demand within the state cabinet to have three more Deputy Chief ministers from Veerashaiva- Lingayat, SC/ST, and minority communities.

However, a section within the Congress is of the opinion that the statement by the ministers seeking three more Deputy CMs, was part of a plan by Siddaramaiah’s camp to keep Shivakumar in check, amid talks that he might seek the chief ministerial post after two- and-half years of this government’s tenure. And also to counter his influence both in the government and party as well.

However, the Congress high command has intervened issuing a stern warning to maintain discipline as the factional feud is negatively impacting the state’s administration and damaging the party’s image.

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There was a stiff competition between Siddaramiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister’s post after the declaration of Assembly election results in May last year. As per the reports, the compromise was reached based on a “rotational chief minister formula” according to which Shivakumar will become the CM after two-and-half years. But the party has not confirmed it officially.