Amid talk of a “community-powered” leadership tussle with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and a possible “dark horse” on the horizon, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday sought to play down the chatter, saying that he was neither seeking the chief minister’s post nor pushing any community-driven agenda.
Responding to his meeting with spiritual leader Nanjavadutha Swamiji of the Vokkaliga community, Shivakumar said Congress is his community, and all sections of the society are equal for him.
“I don’t want anything. I am not hurrying anything. My party will make the decision. I don’t want any community angle. Congress is my community, and my love is for all sections of society,” agencies quoted Shivakumar as saying.
The support for Shivakumar from sections of the Vokkaliga community, including public praise from Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji, further intensified the political narrative. Supporters highlighted his “loyalty” and “long service” to the Congress, adding to it talk of a “dominant caste group being denied leadership.”
With “Vokkaliga vs Ahinda” adding a new dimension to the leadership tussle, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have reportedly been called to Delhi for “talks with the high command,” say sources.
Shivakumar, however, said his visit to Delhi was linked to Karnataka’s pending issues ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament. “Congress has a long history, and Delhi will always guide us. When they call me, the party leaders and the CM, we will go there.
“I have a lot of work in Delhi. The Winter Session is coming, and I have to meet the Parliamentarians because they have to take forward some of our projects. My CM is discussing the issues (with the Centre). There is the maize issue, the central government is not supporting or helping farmers,” he said.
Further adding to the buzz is the flurry of political activities and meetings in the state over the past days, including one by the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s “camp” in which Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi were present.
Parameshwara and Jarkiholi maintain that the Congress came to power due to a team effort. Meanwhile, a meeting between Shivakumar and long-time rival Jarkiholi triggered another storm.
Parameshwara is now seen as a possible compromise candidate if neither Siddaramaiah nor Shivakumar budge, while Jarkiholi is said to be eyeing Shivakumar’s Pradesh Congress Committee post and has become a rallying point for different power centres.
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are both critical for Congress for its Karnataka plan but there are others in the queue as well.
Coming from a humble background, the two-time CM is one of the leading backward-class leaders in his party with an Ahinda (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) vote base. Therefore, removing Siddaramaiah may not be a very good strategy for Congress’ caste arithmetic. The party is aware that numbers are in his favour, say sources.
Shivakumar comes from the influential Vokkaliga community and is credited with swinging the votes of the community in defeating the ruling BJP in the last elections. He expected to be rewarded with the CM post but had to settle as Siddaramaiah’s deputy. Acting as a “troubleshooter” for the party, he has helped keep the flock together on many occasions.