Karnataka leadership tussle: Will put an end to confusion after discussion with senior leaders, says Mallikarjun Kharge

Will call Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi for talks: AICC president

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said he would call for a meeting of senior leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in New Delhi to discuss the raging leadership issue in the State and put an end to the "confusion".

He said the leaders would discuss on the way forward and settle the issue.

The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified, amid speculations about Chief Minister change in the State after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, in the backdrop of a rumoured "power-sharing" agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023.

"After going to Delhi, I will call three-four important leaders and discuss. After the discussion, we will say how to go ahead; there by put an end to the confusion," Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru, according to news agency PTI.

When asked if Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would be called to Delhi, he said, "We should certainly call them and discuss. We will call them, discuss with them and settle the issue."

"I will call everyone and discuss. Rahul Gandhi will be part of it, also other members, including the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made," he added.

Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, held a meeting with senior Ministers and leaders considered close to him, including G Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H C Mahdevappa and K Venkatesh, and K N Rajanna at his residence in Bengaluru, according to sources.

Siddaramaiah, signaled it was business as usual, and told reporters, 'Will go to Delhi if high command calls'.

Shivakumar too said he would go to the national capital if summoned by the top brass.

(With agency inputs)