Bengaluru: Amid growing speculation over a potential change in leadership in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday extended an invitation to his deputy, DK Shivakumar, for breakfast “tomorrow,” saying the meeting was being convened at the behest of the party high command.
“I invited Deputy CM D K Shivakumar for breakfast tomorrow, as high command asked us to have meeting,” Siddaramaiah said.
The planned tete-a-tete comes in the midst of renewed speculation that there may be a “power-sharing agreement” that could see Shivakumar assume the chief ministerial post for the second half of the government
’s five-year term — a scenario that has stirred considerable political chatter since the state completed two-and-a-half years of the current government.
Siddaramaiah clarified that both he and Shivakumar have been summoned by the central leadership of the party, and that the breakfast meeting was meant to facilitate open dialogue. He also reiterated that he would abide by whatever decision the high command arrives at — even if it meant travelling to Delhi if called upon.
On his part, Shivakumar — whose brother has already reached Delhi — has neither confirmed nor denied the speculations about taking over as CM. Both leaders have maintained a posture of deference to the party’s top leadership.
BJP hints at moving no confidence motion
Former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said the opposition BJP in the state may consider moving a no-confidence motion in the Assembly if the power tussle in the Congress continues, reported the PTI. Bommai also predicted that a ‘dark horse’ may enter the race.