Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, arrived at Karnataka Bhawan in New Delhi on Monday evening ahead of a key meeting amid discussions over a possible leadership change in the state, ANI reported.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also reached the national capital to take part in the deliberations, which come amid speculation over cabinet changes and internal party dynamics.
Speaking to the media about the visit, Siddaramaiah said, “The high command called me, so I have come. I don’t know the subject matter of the meeting. Venugopal ji invited me for the meeting, and I have come.”
Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi said, “Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and DCM DK Shivakumar will be in Delhi for a meeting to resolve the issues in the party…”
ANI reported that Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara arrived on a special flight amid growing buzz around a leadership change in Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet the Congress high command on Tuesday. Shivakumar, who is also considered a contender for the Chief Minister’s post, also arrived in New Delhi.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar said, “I have to go, don’t I? Yes, I’m going (to Delhi). In certain situations, one has to go, so I am travelling to Delhi.”
According to Congress sources cited by ANI, clarity on the Chief Ministerial position is expected within the next two to three days.
Sources added that several key issues, including Rajya Sabha elections, a cabinet reshuffle and MLC polls, are likely to be discussed during the meetings.
However, Siddaramaiah maintained that he was unaware of the meeting agenda.
“I have been invited to Delhi. There is a meeting tomorrow at 11 am; I do not know the agenda. Mr Venugopal called me to inform me about the date and time of the meeting,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.
Responding to speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said, “Speculations are always there.”
Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala linked the Delhi visit to organisational discussions related to Rajya Sabha elections.
“Rajya Sabha elections have been notified. The party continues to have consultations. So please do not speculate. I quash all other speculations,” Surjewala said.
When asked about the developments, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge told ANI, “I cannot comment on this. Rahul ji will speak.”
Speculation over a leadership change in the Karnataka Congress has continued since the government completed 2.5 years in office last year. Over the past 18 months, Shivakumar’s supporters have repeatedly claimed that he would soon become Chief Minister, though no transition has taken place so far.
Some Congress workers are also backing G Parameshwara for the top post.
*With Agency Inputs