CM’s chair: ‘Kai’ meeting, issue of Dalit CM likely to be raised!

Karnataka: Amid the ongoing tussle in the ruling Congress camp over the CM’s chair, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) on Monday. There is a lot of curiosity about this meeting. After the Chief Minister called the meeting, factions inside the Congress party have become active. The faction supporting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is demanding a Dalit Chief Minister and is likely to indirectly convey this message to the party high command during the meeting. Meanwhile, on Saturday, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister HK Patil and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy visited the house of Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara, which has become very important. Sources said that the talks held between the leaders at Parameshwara’s residence are likely to be raised in the CLP meeting. As per the agreement reached in 2023, Siddaramaiah, who succeeded in becoming the Chief Minister for the second time, has to hand over power after completing two years of his term and he is committed to it.

However, top sources have informed that he wants his chosen leader to become the Chief Minister. Sources said that the reason behind this stance is DK Shivakumar’s opposition to Siddaramaiah’s leadership. It is said that Parameshwara had suggested holding a meeting of SC/ST MLAs to express their opinion in his favour. However, it is said that Shivakumar has stopped the meeting through the high command. AICC General Secretary (Karnataka in-charge) Randeep Singh Surjewala had instructed Dr. Parameshwara not to hold the meeting. However, Dr. Parameshwara, who followed his instructions, said, “We have not cancelled the meeting, just postponed it. The meeting will be held soon.” Minister Rajanna had openly expressed his displeasure against the high command and DK Shivakumar regarding the meeting. Reacting to this, DK Shivakumar’s brother and former MP from Bengaluru Rural DK Suresh said that Rajanna should put his point in front of the CM and the party high command. A Congress leader said that Rajanna, a supporter of Siddaramaiah, may have given this statement to send a message to the high command. Randeep Surjewala will arrive in the city today against the backdrop of the meeting during which other leaders of the Sidhu faction, including Dr Parameshwar, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, may meet Surjewala and demand that a Dalit leader be made the next chief minister as suggested by Siddaramaiah, sources said. They will insist that the party may have to face the wrath of the SC/STs if it does not agree.

Given Dr Parameshwar’s seniority, Surjewala may meet Parameshwar at his residence.

Parameshwar said, “I spoke to Surjewala over the phone and explained the purpose of the meeting of SC/ST MLAs. When Surjewala comes to the city, I will discuss with him and the meeting will be organised.”