In an effort to resolve the persistent leadership dispute in Karnataka, the Congress high command has mandated a direct meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The directive calls for them to engage in dialogue and subsequently inform the central leadership of their deliberations’ outcome.
Siddaramaiah has taken the initiative to invite Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting on Saturday morning, adhering to the high command’s instructions. This meeting is poised to be a pivotal moment in addressing the leadership questions that have been a subject of public discussion and internal debate.
Party sources reveal that K.C. Venugopal has communicated with both leaders, emphasizing the importance of reaching an internal resolution. The expectation is that a successful private discussion will bypass the need for a more public resolution process involving the national leadership in Delhi.
If the proposed meeting does not lead to a consensus, the next step is likely to involve summoning both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to the national capital for direct intervention by the party’s top brass. Both leaders have publicly acknowledged their adherence to the high command’s final decision, reinforcing the party’s hierarchical structure.
The leadership contention has created a complex political scenario. The Congress party’s strategic goal is to consolidate its position and demonstrate unity, particularly in light of upcoming political challenges and electoral considerations.