Hubballi: Union Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday alleged that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are involved in horse-trading of MLAs amid the escalating leadership conflict in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Hubli, Joshi claimed that Shivakumar visited Bengaluru Central Jail to seek the support of two jailed Congress MLAs, Vinay Kulkarni and Virendra Pappi. Joshi questioned, “He met them in jail on Friday. Why didn’t he meet them for so long?” He said the meeting was to garner the MLAs’ support upon their release.
The Union Minister alleged, “In the event of a vote for the Chief Minister’s post, their support will be useful to him. Whenever Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is asked to step down, he insists on a vote. Both leaders are engaged in building numbers by ensuring the support of MLAs on their side.” On Friday, Shivakumar visited Bengaluru Central Jail and encouraged Congress MLAs Vinay Kulkarni and Virendra Pappi, who are lodged there as undertrial prisoners. This visit has now taken a political turn.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA HC Balakrishna, a staunch supporter of Shivakumar, said in Bengaluru that the Deputy Chief Minister has his own strength and capability. He said, “He doesn’t need anyone in Delhi to show support or create an atmosphere. The high command will decide all matters. Let them decide and resolve the matter without embarrassing the party.” Balakrishna stressed, “The high command should take the final decision.”
He further clarified, “Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has not sought support or instructed anyone to support him. The MLAs may have expressed their personal opinions. Shivakumar has clearly instructed leaders not to embarrass the party with public statements. As the State Congress President, he has confirmed that the high command is monitoring all developments.”
With the Siddaramaiah government completing two and a half years in office, infighting within the ruling Congress party has intensified over demands for a change in state leadership.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, who arrived in Bengaluru on Friday to attend an event, is staying in the state capital to resolve the crisis. He plans to meet Siddaramaiah in the evening and is also expected to hold talks with Shivakumar.
