Love is Not News, Divorce is: Ashok Gehlot on K'taka Leadership Row
In a surprising statement, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has downplayed the leadership row between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Speaking to the media in Jaipur on Saturday, Gehlot said that the reports of a rift between the two leaders were "unfounded" and that there was no "divorce" between them.
"When leaders sit together at the breakfast table, it shows unity," Gehlot said, adding, "Love is not the news, divorce is." His comments come at a time when there have been reports of tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the handling of power and decision-making in the Karnataka government.
Gehlot, a senior Congress leader, has been a key figure in the party's Rajasthan unit and has often been seen as a mediator in party disputes. His statement is likely to be seen as an attempt to ease tensions and reassure party leaders that all is well in the Karnataka government.
The leadership row between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been ongoing for several months, with both leaders vying for control and influence within the party. While Gehlot's statement may help to ease tensions in the short term, it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to resolve the underlying issues and prevent further infighting within the party.
The Karnataka government has been in power since 2023, with Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister and Shivakumar as his Deputy. Despite Gehlot's statement, the leadership row is likely to continue to be a major issue for the party in the coming months.
