BENGALURU: Amid the ongoing leadership tussle, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's two separate meetings with Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and Priyank Kharge have triggered speculation within the ruling Congress party and across the state’s political circles.
Minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge met Shivakumar at his residence on Friday and held discussions for about an hour. After the meeting, Kharge declined to reveal details, stating that he had to attend another meeting and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was already waiting. Priyank is the son of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.
On Thursday night, Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, a staunch supporter of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, met the Deputy Chief Minister at a wedding ceremony in Bengaluru and held discussions. Jarkiholi has publicly backed the idea of a Dalit Chief Minister in the event of a change of leadership in Karnataka and has also supported the creation of additional Deputy Chief Minister posts.