Tumakuru, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : K.N. Rajanna, a close associate of former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, made a pointed remark on Friday, suggesting that the Congress party’s electoral success now relies exclusively on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Speaking to the media in Tumakuru, Rajanna emphasized the shift in voter dynamics between the two leaders and their respective communities.
He stated, “No votes will come from Siddaramaiah anymore. The party will receive all its votes solely due to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.” Rajanna further elaborated that if Shivakumar continues in his role, it could lead to significant support from the Vokkaliga community, similar to how Siddaramaiah garnered backing from the Kuruba community during his tenure.
“During Siddaramaiah’s time as Chief Minister, all votes from the Kuruba community went to Congress. Similarly, will the Vokkaliga community now support Congress in large numbers with Shivakumar as Chief Minister?” he queried.
Rajanna acknowledged that Shivakumar was appointed as Chief Minister because he is seen as a powerful leader representing the Vokkaliga community. However, he asserted that the true measure of support will ultimately be determined by the voters in the upcoming elections.
Defending Siddaramaiah’s position within the Congress, Rajanna stated that he remains an undisputed leader of the ‘Ahinda’ community. He mentioned, “Siddaramaiah is the undisputed leader of the Ahinda class. Although he attempted to appoint me as the chairman of the Apex Bank, it did not succeed. To say that his influence in the government is negligible is incorrect.”
Rajanna also expressed that he is undeterred by the political landscape and remains committed to contesting in future Lok Sabha elections, especially after the delimitation of constituencies in the Madhugiri sub-division, where he plans to run.
In response to Rajanna’s comments, H.C. Balakrishna, a close aide of Shivakumar and the Minister for Urban Development, remarked that undermining any key leader in the party, including AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Chief Minister Shivakumar, or Siddaramaiah, would weaken the party as a whole.
Tensions within the Congress party are palpable as the next elections approach, and the dynamics between these influential leaders will be closely monitored.
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