Bengaluru, February 8: The political landscape in Karnataka is witnessing heightened tensions within the Congress party following remarks made by Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Basavaraj V. Shivganga, a loyalist of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has urged that Yathindra’s comments regarding leadership changes should not be taken seriously.
This statement from Shivganga is likely to exacerbate the internal strife within the Karnataka Congress, particularly between the factions loyal to Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah had previously stated that the party high command is not considering any attempts to change the Chief Minister and that his father will complete his full term. This comment was in response to Basavaraj’s assertion that the high command should intervene to resolve ongoing leadership issues within the state.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Basavaraj emphasized that his statements should be taken seriously, as his vote carries weight in the selection of the Chief Ministerial candidate due to his position as an MLA, unlike Yathindra, who serves as an MLC and does not have a direct role in this matter.
He further questioned the media’s attention to Yathindra’s statements, pointing out that without a vote, his opinions should not hold much significance. Basavaraj accused Yathindra of repeatedly asserting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would remain in office for the full five years.
He noted that the party high command has acknowledged Yathindra’s statements and called for clarity regarding any power-sharing arrangements within the party, especially with prominent leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Priyanka Gandhi involved.
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