Amid escalating political dynamics in Karnataka, triggered by a prominent Vokkaliga seer’s call to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Channagiri Congress MLA Sivaganga Basavaraj has voiced his endorsement for DK Shivakumar.
During a Kempegowda Jayanti event attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Vokkaliga seer Chandrashekar Swamiji advocated for DK Shivakumar to succeed Siddaramaiah in the future.
“Everyone has had their turn as Chief Minister and wielded power. Our DK DK Shivakumar has yet to become Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah has already had his time in power. In the future, Siddaramaiah should pass the baton to DK Shivakumar. I once again urge Siddaramaiah to appoint DK Shivakumar as Chief Minister,” the seer expressed.
In response, Siddaramaiah deferred to the decision of the Congress high command.
On Monday, MLA Sivaganga Basavaraj stated, “If creating unnecessary posts like that of deputy chief minister is needed, then so be it. Appoint as many deputy chief ministers as required and make DK Shivakumar the Chief Minister.”
Highlighting the Congress’s recent electoral performance in Karnataka, where the party won nine out of 28 seats in the Lok Sabha elections compared to just one seat in 2019, Basavaraj emphasized that the party should allow DK Shivakumar the autonomy to operate.
“He ( DK Shivakumar) can contribute and make sacrifices for the party. That’s why he was appointed as the party president,” the MLA asserted.
Basavaraj’s remarks came despite DK Shivakumar’s caution to party members against making public statements regarding leadership changes and the creation of multiple deputy chief minister positions.
Additionally, there have been calls from various leaders to establish additional deputy chief minister posts, representing Lingayat, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and minority communities.
The evolving political discourse underscores the intensifying dynamics within the Karnataka Congress, as stakeholders navigate discussions around leadership transitions and organizational restructuring.
