Leadership issue will be resolved after discussions with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul: Kharge

As discussion on the leadership issue in the Congress gathers pace with Central leaders expected to intervene to douse the fire, parleys among leaders looking to cement their political future was at play on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is learnt to have briefed Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi about the leadership tussle, and the two leaders are expected to meet again on Thursday.

Speaking to PTI in New Delhi, Mr. Kharge said the issue would be resolved after discussions with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

KPCC President and DCM D K Shivakumar, during Constitution Day programme in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

“The high command — myself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji — will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it,” Mr. Kharge said, when asked about the issue.

Rahul’s key role

With every leader, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, announcing their intention to adhere to the high command’s decision, Mr. Gandhi’s role is crucial.

Party sources here said that Mr. Kharge, who over the last few days met the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister, is learnt to have told Mr. Gandhi about the developments, and warned that if allowed to fester, it could damage the party’s prospects. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister could be called to Delhi before the Winter session of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Mr. Shivakumar appeared to be offering olive branch to leaders aligned with Mr. Siddaramaiah.

Multiple meetings

While Mr. Shivakumar met Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed on Tuesday, his late-night meeting with Public Works Minister Satish Jharkiholi raised eyebrows.  Mr. Jharkiholi and Mr. Shivakumar have been at loggerheads over the years allegedly due to interference of the latter in the politics of Belagavi, the former’s political turf.

While both publicly claimed that they discussed about bringing Congress back to power in 2028, it is learnt that Mr. Shivakumar, who is currently the KPCC president, sought the cooperation of Mr. Jharkiholi, who is lobbying for the KPCC president’s post. Mr. Shivakumar is also learnt to have met a few other Cabinet Ministers seeking their cooperation.

‘Within four walls’

Mr. Shivakumar told reporters, “Whatever was discussed was within the four walls. It cannot be discussed publicly. The high command will decide on the Chief Minister’s post. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will discuss and take an appropriate decision.”

When his attention was drawn to legislators lobbying for him in Delhi, he said, “They may have gone to lobby for ministerial position since the Chief Minister has spoken of Cabinet reshuffle. Nobody needs to talk for me… I believe in collective leadership. The party will look after my interest.”

When asked about a purported message from Rahul Gandhi to him, he said, “It is not something I wish to discuss in public.”

On Wednesday, Mr. Jharkiholi is learnt to have discussed strategies with about a dozen legislators over lunch. He also acknowledged to reporters that he continued to identify himself with Mr. Siddaramaiah, but also clarified that he is not inimical to Mr. Shivakumar. The PWD Minister also said that he does not see circumstances for change in leadership, but adhered to the high command’s decision. “Mr. Siddaramaiah’s leadership and service is imperative even after he retires from politics.”

‘Don’t let limbo persist’

It is also learnt that some legislators, who met the Central leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have urged them to end the confusion that is hurting the party’s image. “Whatever agreement, if any, has happened between them. We do not want this limbo to continue,” said a source.