BENGALURU: On a day Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met Congress high command leaders in New Delhi on Friday on the sidelines of a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Assembly polls, Energy Minister KJ George called on Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, creating ripples in political circles.
Speculation is rife as to whether CM Siddaramaiah sent George as his emissary to push the demand for a cabinet reshuffle ahead of the state budget, as the Shivakumar camp is insisting on a change in leadership. Siddaramaiah in Tumakuru was unaware of Shivakumar’s Delhi visit, saying, “I don’t know about it.”
Shivakumar is the Congress’ observer for the ensuing Assam Assembly polls.
After having lunch at the former Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna’s house and before inaugurating the state-level Karnataka Games, the CM said that he would talk to the high command about reinstating the former minister in the Karnataka cabinet.
Meanwhile, George held talks with Rahul at Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chief Sonia Gandhi’s 10 Janpath residence for about 40 minutes at around 4 pm on Friday.
According to informed sources, George apprised Rahul of the state’s political environment and the need for a cabinet reshuffle. “George is the Congress observer for Kerala Assembly polls... talks might have also happened on those lines,” sources added.
But the meeting took place much before Shivakumar’s plan to meet Rahul one-on-one to discuss the leadership change issue. Shivakumar will remain in Delhi and continue meeting high command leaders on Saturday also.
It is to be seen whether Shivakumar meets Sonia Gandhi and AICC general secretary and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra or not.
DKS: Leadership discussion between CM, brass, myself
Before taking part in the preparatory meeting for the Assam polls at the residence of AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar hinted that he would talk about the issue of change in leadership with the Congress high command. “The issue is between the CM, high command and myself. The issue is not something that can be discussed in public. I have come to Delhi with an intention of meeting party leaders... let us see,” Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
“How can I reveal the plans of our party? This would be discussed at the party level and not publicly. If any information needs to be shared with the public, the party’s general secretary would do it,” he said on the party’s Assam poll strategy. Shivakumar, however, said he will be meeting legal counsels and union ministers to discuss certain legal aspects of irrigation projects concerning Karnataka.