Amid mounting speculation over a possible change in the Congress Karnataka leadership, the demand for shift in power now appears to be taking the form of a rebellion. MLAs supporting Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar continue to head to Delhi, demanding a change of Chief Minister. Two batches of pro-Shivakumar MLAs are already in Delhi, and a third batch has now arrived. The third batch of Shivakumar-supporting MLAs is reported to include six to eight members. The development pertains to the "power-sharing agreement" of 2023 between CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which is being cited in political circles.
Third batch of Shivakumar-supporting MLAs camp in Delhi
According to reports, MLAs from Shivakumar's camp want the Congress leadership to clarify their position on issues concerning them. This is why the MLAs are camped out in Delhi, seeking time for meetings. This is the third time in the past week that MLAs from Deputy CM’s faction have reached Delhi, raising political temperatures from Bengaluru to Delhi.
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While the MLAs are camped out in Delhi, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge is in Bengaluru. He was scheduled to return to Delhi from Bengaluru on Sunday, but for now, he has postponed his plans and remains there. Reportedly, he is holding frequent meetings with senior leaders in Karnataka.
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All 140 MLAs are my MLAs: DK Shivakumar
Amid the tussle, Shivakumar on Friday, asserted that making a group is not in his blood and all 140 MLAs are his as well. “All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. Making a group is not in my blood. Both the Chief Minister and I have time and again said we abide by the high command,” he said. Reacting on the MLAs going to Delhi to meet senior leadership, Shivakumar remarked that all are eligible to go and meet their leaders and one can’t stop them. “You can't stop them, you can't tell them no, because so many are going with ministers. Some of them are going with the CM. Who will stop them? No one will stop them,” Shivakumar said.
Meanwhile, Kharge on Sunday asserted that the high command will decide on the issue of change in the Chief Ministerial face. “There is nothing to say about the developments happening here. Whatever happens, the high command will do it. It is not required to worry too much about it,” Kharge added.
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