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Karnataka Power Tussle: The Karnataka Congress has been embroiled in a major power tussle, with supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar demanding that he be made the Chief Minister. Several Congress MLAs have even flown to Delhi on Sunday to meet the central leadership, and more are likely to join them today. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, has said that he will accept and act according to the decision of the Congress high command, while asserting that the central leadership should end the "confusion" soon.

According to a report by NDTV, the Congress top brass is expected to decide by December first week to end the power tussle in Karnataka, the only southern state where the grand old party is in power. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to meet Rahul Gandhi to discuss the issue in the coming days and will take a final call. Both the leaders -- DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah -- are expected to be summoned to Delhi on Friday or Saturday.

Karnataka CM Change News: Why Karnataka Is Witnessing A Power Tussle?

The buzz over leadership change in Karnataka stems from a "secret deal" struck in 2023 after Congress's big election win. In the deal, a power-sharing formula was agreed upon, potentially handing the CM's post to Shivakumar halfway through the term. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier rejected the speculation, saying that he intends to complete the full five-year term.

ALSO READ: Siddaramaiah Admits 'Confusion' Amid Power Tussle; Says ‘High Command Will Take Decision'

The CM called it an "unnecessary debate" and attributed it to cabinet reshuffle talks, as 2 of the total 34 ministerial posts are vacant and would be filled during the reshuffle. While Shivakumar has avoided pushing the issue publicly, saying only the party high command should decide, his supporters have reached Delhi to meet the top party leadership and push for their demand.

Karnataka CM Change News: What CM Siddaramaiah Said On Leadership Change?

Speaking about the power tussle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that he, along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, will accept and act in accordance with the decision of the Congress high command. "DK Shivakumar and I should abide by the decision of the party high command. Whatever the high command decides, DK Shivakumar and I should agree. We will act according to the decision of the party high command," he said, as quoted by ANI.

Siddaramaiah further recalled meeting with the high command five months ago, during which discussions on the cabinet reshuffle were held. "When the high command met five months ago, they had instructed a reshuffle of the cabinet. I had told them that we would do it after completing two and a half years. Now, we will act according to whatever instructions are given," he added.

Karnataka CM Change News: What DK Shivakumar Said On Power Tussle?

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that he doesn't want to embarrass or weaken the party, hinting that there is a power tussle going on. "I believe in conscience. We should work according to conscience. I don't want to embarrass the party or weaken the party," said Shivakumar.

About Mallikarjun Kharge's proposed meeting with Rahul Gandhi over the issue, Shivakumar said, "I don't know about this matter. This is a secret matter between five or six of us. I will not reveal it," he said.

Shivakumar even heaped praises on Siddaramaiah and called him an asset to the party. "The CM is a senior leader and an asset to our party. He has been CM for 7.5 years. He has said that he will present the next budget himself. Very happy. He has worked hard as the Leader of the Opposition. He has built the party. We should all focus on the goal of the 2028 and 2029 elections together."

ALSO READ: 'Can't Hold Permanently': DK Shivakumar Hints At Quitting Karnataka Congress Chief Post Amid Power Tussle

When asked if some MLAs have gone to Delhi and are trying to make him the CM, he said, "Those who aspire to be ministers have gone; I do not know about the attempt to make me the CM. I have not called them, I have not sent them. I will not question why you went."

Karnataka CM Change News: What Mallikarjun Kharge Said On Power Tussle?

Meanwhile, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge today said that he will meet Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to discuss the issue. "Only the people there can say what the Government is doing there. But I would like to say that we will resolve such issues. People in the High Command - Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and me will sit together and deliberate on this. We will give the mediation that is required," he said.

On Sunday, Kharge had asserted that the high command will decide on the issue of a change in the Chief Ministerial face. "I have nothing to say. You have been standing here continuously for three days. There is nothing to say about the developments happening here. Whatever happens, the high command will do it. It is not required to worry too much about it," he said.

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