Another Deputy CM For Karnataka? Rahul Gandhi To Address Infighting In Congress As Ministers From State Arrive In Delhi

On Thursday (11 January) ministers from Karnataka, responsible for overseeing the 28 Lok Sabha seats in the state, travelled to New Delhi for a crucial meeting with top Congress leaders, as reported by Siasat.

While the primary agenda is to discuss strategies for the upcoming Parliamentary polls, the report reveals that Rahul Gandhi will also address the ongoing internal conflicts within the Karnataka Congress unit.

Despite assurances from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala that no additional deputy chief minister positions will be created, K N Rajanna, the Minister for Cooperation and a loyalist of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressed at the Bengaluru International Airport before departing for the national capital that the creation of more deputy chief minister posts would be advantageous for the party.

"We have proposed the idea to the high command, and if more DyCM posts are established before the Lok Sabha polls, it would benefit the party. We will respect the decision of the high command," stated minister Rajanna.

Minister for Home Dr G Parameshwara mentioned that the proposal for additional deputy chief minister posts is under consideration by the high command.

He also mentioned the scheduled meeting with Rahul Gandhi and expressed uncertainty about the topics to be discussed.

Many reports have indicated a growing divide between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in the state in past as well.

Siddaramaiah is reportedly inclined towards appointing only MLAs to positions in boards and corporations, while Shivakumar has asserted that dedicated party workers should also be considered.

This issue is expected to be raised before the high command during the meeting.