'If They Are Apart...': Kharge To Siddaramaiah, DK Shivakumar Amid Rift Rumours In Karnataka

Kharge's remark comes amid speculation in Karnataka's political circles, particularly within the ruling Congress, about a potential change in Chief Minister later this year.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar during the inauguration of the 16th edition of the Bengaluru International Film Festival in Bengaluru.

Source : PTI

Amid growing speculations of a rift within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, party president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to work together and focus on the state's development.

Kharge said that if the two leaders remain apart and move in different directions, it will be difficult. The Congress chief was speaking at an event to flag off Kalyana Patha project at Jewargi in Kalaburagi. 

"I complement Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Together you (both) should go ahead and focus more on the development of the state. If we overlook development, definitely people won't like us," Kharge said, according to news agency PTI.

The Kalyana Patha project will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 1,000 crore. The Congress leader lauded Siddaramaiah for presenting a record 16th budget on Friday and emphasised that the party consistently supports and encourages individuals doing good work.

The leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha also praised Shivakumar for his past work as Minister for Energy, Irrigation Minister, and as the state Congress president. 

Observing that the work will be successful if both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah work together, Kharge making hand gestures, said, "If they are apart, it will be difficult. We want them to move forward in the same direction together." 

"If they go together in the same direction, it will be correct. If they go in different directions, it will be difficult. For Karnataka to further develop, I want new roads, schools, water resource projects, health centres. Our people are very sensitive and all this will be possible when they work together," he reiterated, looking at Shivakumar, who was seated on the dias.  

The remark comes amid speculation in Karnataka's political circles, particularly within the ruling Congress, about a potential change in Chief Minister later this year under a rotational chief minister or power-sharing arrangement.

Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress chief, is a strong Chief Ministerial aspirant and has made no secret of his ambition to become the CM. 

While some Congress leaders have voiced support for Shivakumar to become CM, several Ministers and leaders considered close to Siddaramaiah have consistently dismissed any leadership change, asserting that the current CM will continue and complete his full five-year term.