NEW DELHI: Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain has renewed pressure on the Congress high command to swiftly resolve the uncertainty over a possible change of leadership in Karnataka, even as the power tussle between chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar refuses to die down.Speaking amid continuing speculation over a mid-term switch of the chief minister’s post to DK Shivakumar, Hussain said, “We need a change, we are asking for others to be given a chance. We are only asking for a change from an election perspective.”Insisting there is no groupism or vested interest, he said, “Apart from that, there is no factionalism or vested interests. The high command should quickly resolve the confusion regarding the leadership change. This is the demand of all the MLAs and ministers, including me. Draw the curtain without giving room for confusion.”Hinting towards a possible meeting between deputy CM Shivakumar and the Congress high command, he further added, “There is information that DCM D. K. Shivakumar has been asked to come to Delhi again to meet the party high command on February 26.” Siddaramaiah’s camp emphasises governance and warns against unsettling the AHINDA coalition, while Shivakumar stresses unity but hints at a resolution soon. Recent meetings, including PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi’s with AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge, signal the high command’s intent to decide “soon”, with Shivakumar’s February 26 Delhi visit seen as pivotal. Party insiders note Shivakumar has pressed for a legislature party meeting by late February, aligning with this timeline.
High command’s Catch-22 dilemma
The central leadership faces a bind: backing Shivakumar risks alienating Lingayat and minority voters tied to Siddaramaiah, while retaining him could demotivate the Vokkaliga base and organisational machinery under Shivakumar. Kharge has promised a collective decision involving Rahul and Sonia Gandhi, with both leaders likely summoned post-February 26 talks. Hussain’s intervention, tying the “draw the curtain” plea to the Delhi meeting, highlights how the February 26 rendezvous could finally break the deadlock in Karnataka’s protracted power tussle.
