Kharge to convene Delhi meeting with senior leaders to resolve Karnataka leadership row

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said he will call for a meeting of senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar in New Delhi to discuss the raging leadership issue in Karnataka.

He said the leaders will discuss the way forward and settle the issue, and thereby put an end to the “confusion” that is there.

The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified, amid speculations about Chief Minister change in the state after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, in the backdrop of a purported “power-sharing” agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.

“After going to Delhi, I will call three-four important leaders and discuss. After the discussion, we will say how to go ahead; thereby put an end to the confusion,” Kharge told reporters here.

Asked if the CM and his deputy will be called to Delhi, he said, “We should certainly call them and discuss. We will call them, discuss with them and settle the issue.”

“I will call everyone and discuss. Rahul Gandhi will be part of it, also other members including CM and Deputy CM. After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made,” he added.

Responding to a question, the AICC chief said, the high command means a team, not an individual. “Our high command team will discuss and decide on the matter,” he added.

Reacting to Kharge's statement, CM Siddaramaiah said, he will go to Delhi, if he is called. Shivakumar too said, “Myself and the Chief Minister, we both will discuss and we will go (to Delhi). If they (high command) call, we will go”.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah held a meeting with senior ministers and leaders considered close to him including G Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H C Mahadevappa, K Venkatesh and K N Rajanna at his residence here, according to official sources.