Siddaramaiah in Delhi: Congress Leadership Talks Underway

Tension inside Karnataka’s ruling Congress has pushed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to the national capital for urgent consultations with the party high command. Accompanied by six cabinet colleagues, Siddaramaiah reached Indira Bhawan on Tuesday after an overnight flight from Bengaluru. The ministers first gathered for breakfast at Karnataka Bhavan, where senior leader B.K. Hariprasad joined them. Later, Siddaramaiah is expected to confer with Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on the simmering leadership question. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, already in Delhi, declined to comment when journalists inquired whether he would succeed Siddaramaiah; he responded with a knowing smile. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi told waiting reporters that the six-month-long uncertainty must be resolved quickly so the party can return its attention to public welfare. Energy Minister K.J. George insisted there is no confusion within the ranks, while Industries Minister M.B. Patil said he would not speculate on Rahul Gandhi’s thinking. All eyes now rest on the outcome of Tuesday’s closed-door meetings, which could determine whether Karnataka sees an immediate change at the top or a temporary truce.