BRACE FOR PRICE HIKES & REALPOLITIK

LISTENING developments in the first few days of the new year indicate that the state is in for a series of price hikes while top political honchos continue their realpolitik.

- RAMU PATIL Assistant Resident Editor [e-mail]

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a few ministers, and legislators attending a dinner meeting at Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi's Bengaluru residence yet again fuelled speculations that everything is not hunky-dory in the ruling Congress.

Jarkiholi maintained that there was nothing unusual, and that it was like any other dinner meeting they have held in the past. He stated that the issues discussed included enhancing the government's image, making administration more efficient, and ensuring the party's return to power in the state.

Many in the party believe there is more to the dinner meeting than meets the eye. The CM huddling with a few of his ministers at a time when Deputy CM and state Congress president DK Shivakumar is holidaying with his family in Turkey is seen as political maneuvering, which is part of a larger game-plan to ensure that he continues as the CM for a full five-year term without disturbing the existing system.

There is no clarity on the power-sharing arrangement between the CM and the Dy CM, which often comes up for discussions in political circles. Siddaramaiah will be completing two-and-a-half years as CM towards the end of 2025.