In Bengaluru, the ongoing Congress infighting has resurfaced as ministers publicly discuss the creation of Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) posts. Minister for Agriculture N. Cheluvarayaswamy clarified on Wednesday that the Dy CM position is currently filled and not vacant. Addressing reporters in Belagavi regarding the demand for additional Dy CM roles, Cheluvarayaswamy stated, "I am neutral and not in opposition to anyone.
The Dy CM position is currently occupied. If it becomes vacant, the matter will be considered." "Our Congress party is secular. Various individuals have expressed their views. The party leadership will make the decision. The party president and chief minister will handle the issue.
I will not engage in discussions about the establishment of Dy CM positions," he added. In response to developments in Delhi, State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra suggested that the Congress party is trying to curb the influence of Dy CM Shivakumar by introducing more Dy CM roles. He expressed confidence that CM Siddaramaiah will resolve the situation by persuading the party leadership to create additional Dy CM positions.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party MLC C.T. Ravi remarked in New Delhi that the push to establish three Dy CM positions is aimed at controlling Shivakumar. He hinted at a prominent figure eyeing the state CM position, with Shivakumar facing challenges in retaining the Dy CM role despite prior warnings.
Shivakumar appears to be struggling and feeling neglected, as indicated by Ravi's comments. Shivakumar, responding to the situation in Bengaluru, deferred to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for comments. When approached for a statement, CM Siddaramaiah indicated in Bengaluru that the party's central leadership will make a decision on this matter.