Karnataka's Congress Unites Amid Speculation of a Rift

In a firm rebuttal to whispers of discord within Karnataka's Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday quelled any speculation, asserting there was no wrongdoing in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's legislative gathering. Speaking from his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar clarified, "Calling a legislators' meeting is well within the CM's authority. What's the harm?" He acknowledged that AICC General Secretary Surjewala shared feedback with the CM after his own discussions with MLAs. The gathering was about addressing those insights, Shivakumar insisted, expressing bewilderment at the media's agitation over standard protocol.

This statement follows CM Siddaramaiah's assembly with Congress MLAs, notably excluding Shivakumar. "I have no issues with the meeting. I'll convene separately with pertinent legislators, especially addressing Bengaluru city-specific agendas," Shivakumar stated, adding that he had already engaged several MLAs in separate discussions.

Shivakumar also dismissed the BJP's critiques regarding his exclusion from the meeting, urging, "Let them prioritize their internal order before critiquing our party. The BJP struggles with factionalism, which their leaders have displayed publicly." He expounded on the Greater Bengaluru Authority's formation, emphasizing its necessity for the city's geographical, economic, and administrative upliftment, while also noting an affidavit submission to the Supreme Court over upcoming elections.

In response to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's comments on being overlooked for Karnataka's CM role, Shivakumar offered a composed perspective. "There's no issue with his sentiments. Kharge is a veteran leader who has tirelessly labored for the party. A discussion like this is healthy, as expressing opinions is everyone's right," he remarked, embracing internal party discussions as indicative of a dynamic political environment.

(With inputs from agencies.)