Congress Divided: Clashes Erupt at Mangaluru Airport as DKS, Siddu Supporters Face Off
Image Source: Internet
A heated confrontation between rival groups of Congress workers in Mangaluru on Wednesday turned a routine visit into a public display of the party's internal tensions. The drama began when supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who were already at the airport, surged towards the car of AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, chanting 'DK! DK!' and demanding that Shivakumar be named the next Chief Minister. As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived in the city, his followers countered with chants of 'Siddu! Siddu!', and soon slogans demanding he complete his full term spread through the airport road. The spectacle unfolded in front of Venugopal, whose visit carried significant weight. Venugopal met with Siddaramaiah and senior ministers at the Kaveri Guest House, followed by lunch at the Chief Minister's residence. Shivakumar downplayed the significance of his travel, saying he was attending a private function in Delhi. However, his supporters' fervent pro-DKS slogans at the airport were met with a dismissive response from the Deputy Chief Minister, who described them as 'love and affection.' The tensions escalated as talk circulated that Shivakumar was preparing to leave for Delhi. Siddaramaiah responded with a cryptic comment, saying that if Shivakumar was invited, he would go. Leaders close to the Chief Minister claimed that the meeting with Venugopal was routine, with no political talks taking place. Despite the public display of divisions, Siddaramaiah insisted that the Congress government remains united. However, when asked if Shivakumar could eventually become Chief Minister, he replied that it would depend on the high command's decision. Home Minister G Parameshwara attempted to downplay the differences, saying that they had been addressed. However, the public atmosphere remains volatile, with both sides engaging in a war of words. The latest meeting between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah, over breakfast at the Deputy Chief Minister's home, was seen as a gesture to signal cohesion, but the underlying tensions remain unresolved.
