Karnataka Minister Calls for Clarity on Chief Minister Position Amid Leadership Dispute

Bengaluru:

Karnataka minister and Siddaramaiah loyalist, Satish Jarkiholi, expressed to NDTV today his hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing dispute over the Chief Minister position—a situation that his superior Siddaramaiah characterized as "confusion." When questioned about a potential timeline for resolution, Jarkiholi stated, "This is not in our hands. The senior leaders, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, there should be some discussion." He emphasized that "There should be clarity" and importantly, he would respect the high command's decision if they opted for leadership change.

Disagreements regarding the Chief Minister position have occurred intermittently since party leadership convinced DK Shivakumar—an aspirant for the top position—to serve as Siddaramaiah's deputy.

The current dispute has intensified as the government reaches the midpoint of its five-year term. Supporters in Shivakumar's camp assert that central leadership had promised rotation of the top position—a claim denied by Siddaramaiah's supporters while central leaders have maintained silence on the matter.

Jarkiholi recently met with Shivakumar amid speculation that Shivakumar might still permit Siddaramaiah to complete a full term. When questioned about this meeting, Jarkiholi maintained it was routine, saying, "He (Shivakumar) is our leader. He is a politician. There is nothing new in meeting him. He is from our party. He is not from outside. There is nothing new."

Earlier this week, Siddaramaiah, who initially denied the possibility of change, acknowledged the "confusion" and requested central leaders resolve the matter.

As numerous Shivakumar supporters headed to Delhi this week, Siddaramaiah remarked: "Let them go. MLAs have the freedom to go to Delhi... Ultimately, it's the high command that decides... Ultimately, to put a full stop to this confusion, the high command has to take a decision."

Shivakumar has avoided public debate on the issue, stating: "I haven't asked for anything. The matter of leadership is between about five or six of us... I don't want to embarrass the party or make it seem weak. We are there because of the party and the workers."