DK brothers press high command on power-sharing promise amid leadership buzz

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother, former MP D.K. Suresh, held a late-night meeting in New Delhi with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal, triggering fresh speculation over a possible leadership change in the state.

The development comes amid renewed buzz over the alleged power-sharing arrangement within the Karnataka Congress. Shivakumar was in Delhi to attend a strategy meeting related to the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

However, following the meeting, he and Suresh are learnt to have separately met Kharge and Venugopal to press their case regarding the implementation of the rotational chief minister formula.

Sources indicated that the “DK brothers” forcefully reiterated their claim during their interaction with Venugopal on Tuesday night. They reportedly reminded the high command that a power-sharing understanding for a two-and-a-half-year term had been discussed in the presence of senior leaders.

“We have acted in good faith based on the assurance given to us. It has been over two and a half months since the agreed timeline ended. The commitment made to us should now be honoured,” they are learnt to have conveyed.

According to sources, they also pointed out that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had, in the presence of top leaders, indicated his willingness to step down before completing two-and-a-half years.

“It was not publicly announced before the press, and that is why confusion prevails today,” they are said to have argued. The brothers reportedly expressed displeasure over attempts to shift the responsibility onto Rahul Gandhi, stating that such a move would neither enhance Siddaramaiah’s stature nor reflect well on the party’s internal credibility.

The duo is learnt to have urged Venugopal to convene a discussion with Siddaramaiah and bring clarity on the leadership transition. “If a transfer of power is to happen, it should be clearly stated.

If not, that too must be clarified,” they reportedly insisted, emphasising that the delay in implementing the alleged agreement is affecting the party’s image.

Sources further said the brothers warned that uncertainty over leadership could impact the Congress’ prospects in the upcoming local body elections as well as the bypolls in select Assembly segments, including Bagalkot and Davanagere South.

They are also believed to have raised concerns over public statements made by Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra, alleging that the high command had failed to restrain remarks seen as contrary to party interests.

However, Kharge and Venugopal are learnt to have refrained from setting any timeline for a possible transition, maintaining that any such decision would require a collective and consultative approach within the party.

Also Read: Government doctors warn of state-wide OPD strike over pending demands