Bengaluru: As the leadership tussle in Karnataka has come to the forefront following the conclusion of voting in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain on Tuesday said in Ramanagara that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would “surely” become the Chief Minister by May 15. Notably, Shivakumar celebrates his 64th birthday on that day.
Speaking to reporters, Hussain, a staunch supporter of Shivakumar, said that he had earlier made statements on two occasions about Shivakumar becoming the Chief Minister and had given two or three dates.
He now announced a final date, May 15, and stated that Shivakumar would become the Chief Minister on that day.
He added that it is the wish of all leaders and the people that Shivakumar should get an opportunity to serve as Chief Minister, and that it is also his personal wish to see him in that role.
When asked whether Shivakumar would receive the Chief Minister’s post as a birthday gift, Hussain said that everyone shares the same wish, that he should assume power.
He added that under Shivakumar’s leadership, many development projects would be undertaken.
He further said that it is their desire to carry out development work across the state under Shivakumar’s leadership. While expressing hope that he would become Chief Minister before May 15, Hussain maintained that it was certain he would take office on that day.
Commenting on senior ministers meeting party high command leaders in Delhi, he said that they are senior leaders and there is nothing wrong in meeting the high command.
He added that they may have gone to discuss their concerns, the state’s situation, and issues affecting the people, and that it is natural for them to discuss public welfare with national leaders.
In an interesting development amid the ongoing leadership tussle, former Karnataka Minister and Congress MLA K.N. Rajanna has stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is ready to step down if Rahul Gandhi says so.
Senior Congress leader and minister Satish Jarkiholi has urged the party high command to resolve the leadership issue at the earliest.
It can be noted that Minister Jarkiholi is a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and his Delhi trip comes close on the heels of Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar’s three-day Delhi trip.
Jarkiholi met All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi and submitted a formal appeal seeking clarity on the question of a change in chief ministerial leadership.
He said that the continuing discussion over leadership change is creating discomfort for the party and leading to growing internal uncertainty, sources confirmed.
Minister for Food and Civil Supplies K.H. Muniyappa, after meeting national leaders in Delhi, said that the party high command may take a decision on the Chief Minister’s post by the end of May.
Speaking to reporters after meeting All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge and All India Congress Committee General Secretary and Congress Member of Parliament K.C. Venugopal, Muniyappa said that he has appealed to the high command to resolve the leadership issue soon.
He added that there should not be any delay in addressing the question of a change in the Chief Minister’s post and that a clear decision must be made.
He further stated that the high command may decide by the end of May.
(IANS)
