DK Shivakumar's chair and raft remark keeps leadership-change buzz alive
Siddaramaiah
dismissed speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, DCM
DK Shivakumar
reignited the debate with a metaphor-laden remark that has once again put the spotlight on an alleged power-sharing arrangement within Congress.
"It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit even on the raft," Shivakumar said Friday while addressing lawyers at Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Jayanti celebrations organised by Bangalore Bar Association.
"There are so many chairs, come and sit. It is difficult to find a chair. When you find a chair, you have to come and sit on the raft. If you look at yourself, you look like tyagis," he said, sparking fresh speculation on internal dynamics of the ruling party.
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On Saturday, Shivakumar's brother and former MP DK Suresh sought to downplay the remarks, saying Shivakumar is "neither in a hurry nor under any pressure".
Responding to the claim that his brother lacks the support of a majority of MLAs, Suresh said, "Shivakumar is the KPCC president. This is not the time to talk about MLAs' support. Siddaramaiah has been functioning as the CM for the past two years. As he is continuing in the post, I don't know why this issue is even being discussed.
You should ask those who are keeping this debate alive. Shivakumar is not someone who engages in displays of strength.
He is a loyal party worker, one who respects the party high command. He is also someone who guides others."
Asked about Siddaramaiah's earlier claim that the 2023 election would be his last — and his recent assertion that he would lead the party in 2028 as well — Suresh said, "Siddaramaiah is a senior leader.
There is no retirement in politics. What matters is political willpower. The CM has that willpower. That's probably why he shared those thoughts with you."
Adding to the debate, KPCC working president and senior MLA Tanveer Sait said, "Power is certainly not permanent. It can happen now or after five years. As of now, Siddaramaiah will continue as CM as per the diktat of the party high command."
Minister Priyank Kharge also rejected the speculation of a leadership change. "Who said the leadership is going to be changed?... (AICC general secretary) Randeep Singh Surjewala was in the state for 3-4 days, evaluating the performance of our MLAs, ministers and the govt. When there is no talk about change in leadership, it does not matter what anyone says to the media," he said.
Kharge added, "The party high command decides such things — that is what has been said by the CM and the DCM. There should be no speculation…"
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