Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed his satisfaction on Saturday following reports that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge has promised to resolve the leadership issue within the state’s Congress unit. This development follows a high-level meeting in New Delhi where Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi and a delegation of MLAs urged the party high command to clear the persistent “confusion” surrounding the Chief Minister’s post. Shivakumar, speaking at the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, briefly noted his happiness regarding the assurance, though he claimed to have no specific information regarding any finalized change in roles.
Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who led the delegation to the capital, emphasized that the prolonged uncertainty was not in the party’s best interest. He revealed that Kharge informed the group that a decision had already been reached, though a specific timeline for its implementation remains under wraps. This push from Jarkiholi’s camp comes at a time when internal speculation about a leadership rotation—frequently discussed since the party took power—has reached a fever pitch. Jarkiholi reiterated that the goal of their visit was to ensure political stability and prepare for future developments in the state.
In the midst of these discussions, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently took to social media to address his critics, alleging that vested interests are struggling to accept his second term in office. He suggested that much of the opposition and criticism directed toward him is politically motivated and rooted in his humble beginnings. Meanwhile, the state government is also juggling administrative challenges, with Shivakumar confirming that the government is awaiting official reports before deciding on compensation for victims of the recent Shivaji Jayanti violence in Bagalkot.
