Siddaramaiah has remained largely out of the public eye as the new government took shape and got down to work over the past month.
| Photo Credit: File photo
Much against speculation of trouble over the transition of power from former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to incumbent D.K. Shivakumar, the process was smooth — a fact the Congress high command has repeatedly highlighted. However, the reticence of the towering OBC leader following the transition has left many intrigued. Mr. Siddaramaiah has remained largely out of the public eye as the new government, which includes his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, took shape and got down to work over the past month.‘Exclusion’ bluesHowever, reliable Congress sources said that the former Chief Minister expressed anguish at his name being excluded from the function to inaugurate new crest gates to the Tungabhadra reservoirs. It was a high-profile event which saw Chief Ministers of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh participate. His name was also excluded during the inauguration of the 10.7 kms, 10-lane signal-free S.M. Krishna Road that connects Challaghatta Metro Station on Mysuru Road and Kadabagere Cross on Magadi Road.“Both projects received funding during the Siddaramaiah-led government, and he has expressed his unhappiness in his close circles over his name not being part of the invite or being taken during both functions,” a legislator said. “During Mr. Siddaramaiah’s long political career, periods of silence have always been watched with curiosity.”Active participationWithin the Congress, leaders believe that the OBC leader’s active participation would be key in future elections for the party, as his sway still holds over several communities across the State. His appeal among the OBCs, especially Kurubas, Dalits and Muslims is known.“These communities are there in every constituency across the State, and that makes him an important figure in electoral politics. While many State leaders dabbled in national politics but failed, he has remained firm in the State and has cultivated his constituency well,” said a senior leader.‘Permanent’ place“The throne of the Chief Minister is mortal. The throne in the hearts of people are immortal. No one can bring me down from there. The agreement between the people and I is permanent,” Mr. Siddaramaiah had said on X last week, after receiving an overwhelming reception in Mysuru during his first visit after stepping down.A top-ranking leader, acknowledging Mr. Siddaramaiah’s political equity in the State’s politics, said, “We are watching the developments on whether a calm will prevail or it is a calm before the storm.”DKS seeks Siddaramaiah’s blessingsChief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, accompanied by his wife Usha, and his brother and former Member of Parliament D.K. Suresh, paid a courtesy visit on Friday to his predecessor Siddaramaiah, coinciding with the completion of one month in the post.
