DK Sivakumar Mobilises MLAs as Karnataka Leadership Battle Intensifies

Bengaluru: As the leadership tussle in the state heats up, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said that he will always be in the run for Chief Minister position. This has pushed the party into a major crisis in the state as the dispute over the Chief Minister's post has intensified. Previously, it was reported that Deputy Chief Minister DK Sivakumar is interested in becoming Chief Minister. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told media the media recently that he intends to continue in the post.

While addressing his intention to stay in the race for Chief Minister's post, Parameshwara said, "I was KPCC president in 2013 and during my tenure, Congress won and came to power. But I did not say that it was because of me that we came to power. It was a collective effort. I lost the election. If I had won that time, we don't know what would have happened. Sometimes, they give a chance to the KPCC president, but sometimes, they dont".

Meanwhile, more MLAs supporting Sivakumar are expected to reach Delhi to meet the party high command. This move follows Siddaramaiah's meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Following the meeting Kharge stated that the high command would take any decisions regarding leadership change. He is also scheduled to meet with DK Sivakumar and his brother DK Suresh.

Reports suggest that Sivakumar has collected the signatures of more than 50 MLAs. To demonstrate his strength, he is likely to travel to Delhi along with the MLAs who support him. It has been reported that several MLAs and MLCs are already in the capital city. Additionally, Vokkaliga leaders HC Balakrishna and KM Udaya have publicly backed Sivakumar. It is also reported that the Deputy CM's unexpected visit to Parappana Agrahara jail to meet MLAs Vinay Kulkarni—an accused in a murder case—and K.C. Virendra—an accused in a money laundering case—was part of efforts to seek support for the Chief Minister’s post.

In 2023, an informal understanding was reportedly made suggesting that Sivakumar would be given the Chief Minister’s post after two-and-a-half years. With the Siddaramaiah government completing two-and-a-half years on November 20, the tug-of-war for leadership has escalated. Siddaramaiah has also stated that a cabinet reshuffle will take place soon.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy alleged that both factions are engaging in “horse trading” to secure MLAs’ support. He claimed that offers of rupees 50 crore, along with a flat and a car, were being made to MLAs. He also alleged that AICC general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala, promised ministerial positions and demanded rupees 200 crore from MLAs.

Meanwhile, JDS leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy predicted that major political upheavals could take place within six months.