Congress MLA K.N. Rajanna, a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, expressed his belief that the party high command might not get involved in the state’s leadership matter. This opinion gains significance amid Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar’s efforts to discuss the leadership dispute with high command officials. Rajanna mentioned that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge had indicated that internal issues should be resolved within the state unit rather than escalating to the high command.
Kharge’s statement in Delhi on December 21 raised doubts for Rajanna about potential high command interference. He emphasized that while individual MLAs could voice their opinions, decisions regarding leadership ultimately rested with the high command. Rajanna highlighted that any decisions regarding leadership changes in Karnataka, including the Chief Minister and ministers, would be exclusively made by the party high command, with no specific timeline mentioned.
Rajanna also clarified his letter to Rahul Gandhi regarding the alleged ‘vote chori’ issue, stating that it was misinterpreted. He underscored the importance of party-appointed Booth Level Agents in monitoring voter lists and preventing irregularities. Meanwhile, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara noted that the final decisions on the state’s leadership matter lay with Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi. He suggested that Kharge’s statement aimed to avoid confusion and mentioned he would respond to Rajanna’s letter after reviewing it.
