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New Delhi: Karnataka politics is very hot these days. The ongoing turmoil in the corridors of power has once again brought the state’s Congress government into the limelight. The long-running tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has now reached such a point where discussions about change of leadership have started openly. Political sources claim that Karnataka may get a new Chief Minister in the coming days and the swearing-in ceremony may also be held on May 30. Although there has been no official confirmation from the Congress yet, the meetings held in Delhi have further intensified these speculations.

Ever since the formation of the Congress government, it has been discussed continuously that there was an internal agreement between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar regarding the post of Chief Minister. It was said that both the leaders would hold the post of Chief Minister for two and a half years each. However, the Congress leadership never publicly accepted this formula. Now, as the government is moving towards the middle of its tenure, the demand for change of leadership from DK Shivakumar supporters seems to be increasing. There is talk in political circles that the Congress high command is now in a mood to take a major decision on this issue.

Why did political unrest increase in Delhi?

The recent meetings held in Delhi with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala made the whole matter more important. It is being told that talks were held with both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar separately. According to sources, in a long discussion with Siddaramaiah, Rahul Gandhi has indicated to give him a bigger role in national politics. After this the discussion started that Congress could send him to Rajya Sabha. It is believed that by doing this the party wants to make the change of leadership in Karnataka easier.

What is Congress’s ‘Delhi Plan’?

If political sources are to be believed, the Congress high command is working on a plan to bring Siddaramaiah to Delhi through Rajya Sabha. The party is considering giving him bigger responsibility in the organization or Parliament. A major reason behind this is being said to be to clear the way for DK Shivkumar to become the Chief Minister. The Congress leadership also wants that there should not be any open conflict in the state and there should be a balance between the two big leaders. Therefore, efforts are being made to present this change as “respectable political realignment”.

Siddaramaiah is not ready at the moment!

However, there are also reports that Siddaramaiah is not yet completely in agreement with this proposal. He does not want to take an immediate decision in favor of giving up his strong hold in Karnataka politics. After returning from Delhi, he has also held several rounds of discussions with his close leaders and supporting ministers. Sources reveal that another important meeting may take place between Rahul Gandhi and Siddaramaiah in the coming days. Only after this the picture will be completely clear.

Amidst all this speculation, the Congress leadership is currently rejecting the news of change of leadership. Party General Secretary KC Venugopal has clearly said that the purpose of the meetings held in Delhi was only to make strategies for the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections. He said that there was no discussion about changing the Chief Minister and the things going on in the media are only rumours. But political analysts believe that from the continuous meetings and activities of the leaders, there are definitely signs of something big happening.

Why is DK Shivakumar a strong contender?

DK Shivkumar has been considered the strongest contender for the post of Chief Minister for a long time. His role was very important in bringing Congress back to power. His strong hold on the party organization and influence among the MLAs makes him a big face. If Siddaramaiah chooses the path of Delhi politics, then it is almost certain that DK Shivakumar will become the Chief Minister. His supporters have been continuously claiming that the time for change of power has now come.

The biggest challenge before Congress

The most difficult thing for Congress is that Siddaramaiah is not only the Chief Minister but also has a huge support base of the party in the state. His hold is considered very strong especially among the backward classes, Dalits and minorities. In such a situation, if he is removed suddenly, dissatisfaction within the party may increase. This is the reason why the Congress high command is moving ahead with utmost caution.

BJP targeted

BJP has started cornering Congress on this entire incident. BJP leaders say that the Congress government is completely embroiled in internal power struggle and the administration of the state is being affected. BJP alleges that the Karnataka government is being run less from Bengaluru and more from Delhi. The party is calling this a sign of Congress’s internal weakness and leadership crisis.