DCM D.K. Shivakumar takes center-stage; inauguration of meeting hall reveals political undercurrents.
BENGALURU
In a noteworthy gathering on Saturday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah convened a breakfast meeting at his residence, Kaveri. The event witnessed the participation of over 14 ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. While the meeting appeared to be jovial, certain intriguing incidents unfolded during the course of the event, shedding light on underlying political tensions.
A particularly interesting moment occurred prior to the meeting, as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was entrusted with inaugurating the meeting hall at the CM’s residence. What made it fascinating was the symbolic tape-cutting ceremony, where Siddaramaiah handed over the scissors to Shivakumar. In a playful exchange, Shivakumar humorously asked, “Did you just hand me scissors to cut the tape on my own hand?” Siddaramaiah responded with a smile, saying, “Howdappa.”
During this exchange, Minister M.B. Patil stood nearby, and Shivakumar inquired about “Ellappa,” a reference to former minister K.N. Rajanna. Rajanna had recently declared in Tumkur that Siddaramaiah would remain CM, while Parameshwar insisted he would take the role. This prompted Shivakumar to ask Rajanna about his stance, leading to Rajanna’s response, “Hey, how are you going to push us?”
After the tape-cutting, Shivakumar asked about the absence of the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister, Satish Jarakiholi. It was revealed that Jarakiholi had been excused from the meeting due to illness. Shivakumar further displayed his devotion by worshipping a Ganesha photo within the meeting hall and performing Mangalarati. His words intrigued many, as he prayed for a successful five-year term and the strength and fortune for a repeat in 2028. This raised questions about Siddaramaiah’s candidature, as his supporters insist on his five-year term, sparking speculation about Shivakumar’s intentions.
Furthermore, Shivakumar extended his prayers for success in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections to some ministers, concluding the prayer by placing Rs 500 notes on the Aarti plate. While Shivakumar wore a smile throughout the event, his statements subtly prodded the Siddaramaiah faction.
Minister KN Rajanna, a staunch advocate of Siddaramaiah, had earlier declared that Siddaramaiah should continue as CM, and if he were to step down, Parameshwar should be the successor. This prompted Shivakumar to address Rajanna, questioning the absence of PWD Minister Satish Jarakiholi. CM Siddaramaiah, seemingly in damage control mode, had recently switched his stance from declaring his continuation as CM to calling a breakfast meeting to build consensus. Shivakumar’s role in inaugurating the meeting hall seemed symbolic of these tensions. Despite the veneer of smiles and camaraderie, it was evident that political manoeuvring lay beneath.
The meeting saw the participation of several ministers, including DCM Shivakumar, Dr G. Parameshwar, M.B. Patil, K.N. Rajanna, H.C. Mahadevappa, Bairathi Suresh, Ramalinga Reddy, K.J. George, N.S. Bhosaraju, Santosh Lad, K.H. Muniappa, Jameer Ahmed, Krishna Bhairegowda, and Priyank Kharge. Notably, PWD Minister Satish Jarakiholi was absent, raising questions about his non-attendance. He cited illness as the reason for his absence.
After the meeting, D.K. Shivakumar delivered a warning to ministers and MLAs, cautioning them against making public statements that could jeopardize their political futures. With ongoing warnings from the high command regarding the CM’s post, some MLAs and ministers have made public declarations, causing concerns within the party.
Shivakumar expressed his fearlessness in the face of investigations by IT, ED, and CBI, emphasizing his focus on working together to secure the highest number of seats for the Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. These developments indicate the complex and evolving political landscape within the state of Karnataka.