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Siddaramaiah and I just had breakfast, we didn’t discuss anything: Karnataka Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge

Amidst Congress power tussle, Siddaramaiah and Mallikarjun Kharge’s meeting raised several eyebrows. However, the latter said it was just a breakfast meet and nothing was discussed. 

Siddaramaiah and I just had breakfast, we didn't discuss anything: Karnataka Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge
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Bengaluru, First Published Jan 28, 2020, 11:45 AM IST

Bengaluru: The crucial meeting between senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Siddaramaiah ahead of the selection of the new Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president at a private hotel on Sunday raised many eyebrows. 

According to sources, several key issues regarding names for KPCC president post and whether the posts of Congress Legislature Party (CLP) and leader of Opposition (LoP) should be held by one person, were discussed. 

With the likes of former deputy chief minister G Parameshwara, a few Congress leaders have been vocal in their opposition to the same leader holding the posts of CLP and LoP. 

However, Siddaramaiah has remained adamant and maintained that both the constitutional posts should be held by the same individual. 

For months now, confusion has prevailed over the posts of CLP, LoP and KPCC president and factions have risen within the party between long standing and migrant Congressmen. Since then, lobbying has intensified within the party and it has also become a hotbed for politics as leaders are voicing out their opinions openly. 

On the backdrop of recent developments, the high command has urged the state leaders to show some solidarity. Leaders who held talks with Dinesh Gundu Rao reportedly told him that factional politics is tarnishing the party’s image.  

According to sources, the leaders have instructed Congress leaders to refrain from making unwarranted statements and also maintain solidarity within the party.

Speaking to media, Mallikarjun Kharge said, “We (Siddaramaiah and I) just had breakfast on Sunday and did not discuss anything regarding politics. We didn’t discuss anything else as it was just a breakfast meet after Republic day celebrations.”  

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