Political situation in Karnataka : Shivakumar's response suggests growing 'friction'
Merely a week into the formation of the government in Karnataka, a heated tussle over power-sharing emerged between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar.
Tensions escalated as Shivakumar, visibly disturbed by the controversy, curtly dismissed the media's inquiries, stating, "Don't disturb me."
The controversy ignited when Minister M.B. Patil proclaimed on Monday that Siddaramaiah would serve a full five-year tenure, dismissing any talks of power-sharing. This statement immediately stirred speculation within political circles. However, attempting to defuse the situation, Patil clarified on Tuesday that he had merely reiterated the press conference statements made by senior leaders and had not offered any personal opinion on the matter.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Shivakumar was deeply upset by Patil's remarks, which prompted his blunt response to the media.
The underlying tension between the two was believed to be the catalyst for Shivakumar's terse statement.
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, when questioned about the power-sharing dynamics between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, cryptically stated that power was being bestowed upon the people of Karnataka. The lack of clarity from the party's high command has only added to the confusion surrounding the issue.
Senior members of the party expressed dissatisfaction with Patil's untimely statements, deeming them unnecessary. They believed that the Chief Minister's term should not have become a subject of contention at this early stage.
The animosity between Patil and Shivakumar dates back to 2013 when Patil was inducted into Siddaramaiah's cabinet while Shivakumar was overlooked. Both politicians are known for their resourcefulness, but Patil enjoys the favor of Siddaramaiah, making him the blue-eyed boy of the Chief Minister.
In the 2018 Assembly elections, Patil and Siddaramaiah collaborated unsuccessfully in their pursuit of creating a separate religious category for Lingayats. Shivakumar, in contrast, repeatedly tendered apologies to Lingayats, much to Patil's dismay.
This led to Patil questioning Shivakumar's right to seek forgiveness, while also accusing him of damaging the Congress party's reputation in southern Karnataka. Patil labeled Shivakumar as tainted and suggested that his demeanor and body language had negatively impacted the Congress' performance in the 2018 elections.
Amidst this latest episode, Shivakumar has remained silent in response to Patil's statements. However, inside sources revealed that he is quietly assembling a parallel Lingayat leadership to counter Patil's influence.
Several Lingayat groups have already expressed their discontent, objecting to the preferential treatment given to Patil, who represents a smaller sub-caste, while larger sub-castes are overlooked.
Cabinet Minister Priyank Kharge dismissed Patil's power-sharing remarks as irrelevant, emphasizing that only Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal were privy to the details of their discussions.
Notably, the issue of power-sharing was not discussed during the legislature party meeting, further adding to the mystery and raising questions about the veracity of Patil's claims.
As the power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continues to unfold, it remains uncertain how the internal dynamics within the Karnataka government will ultimately shape the future of the state. The Congress party faces the challenging task of resolving these tensions and ensuring a united front in order to effectively govern and address the pressing issues facing Karnataka. (Edited)