Editorial..

Siddaramaiah – a brand! Symbol of self-respect, pride, and humanity. A personality that stands up even to giant opponents. Born into the Kuruba community, yet free from caste hang-ups – true greatness. The ultimate enemy of family politics. When he became CM last time, this was everyone’s opinion.But after ascending the throne for the second time, the face changed. A caste-based team got ready. “K” brand officers got key posts. Control over administration slipped. Struggling to make budgets people-friendly under the guise of guarantees.

When Congress won, there was a circus in Delhi. DK kept pushing relentlessly. Siddhu’s face looked drained. Old disciples and Janata Parivar leaders held his hand. Finally, Siddhu became CM for the second term. At that very moment, it was said he had promised to hand over the chair to DK after half the term.As two-and-a-half years neared completion, clouds of broken promises gathered around Siddhu. Allegations of power obsession and son obsession. By declaring “I will present the next budget myself,” the CM sent a clear message: no chance for DK.DK Shivakumar – the one who sacrificed for the party, went to jail for the high command, pulled in the Vokkaliga community. Yet his dream of ruling the state remains unfulfilled. Siddhu’s battalion – George, Deshpande, MB Patil, Satish Jarkiholi and others – won’t let go. To high command faction leaders like Hariprasad, HK Patil, Gundu Rao, Kharge, Khandre – DK is untouchable.Meanwhile, Parameshwara and Muniyappa are standing firm, waving the Dalit CM card.

In the backdrop of Ramesh Jarkiholi’s CD case, fear is being spread that DK will make CDs of MLAs. Propaganda labels him “most corrupt.” But there are other ministers making far more money. Amid all this, Siddhu’s new tactics have weakened DK.Whispers in DK’s ear: “For the next election, your leadership – my responsibility to get you elected.”

Under the AHINDA + Vokkaliga formula, we’ll win again – next time you’re the CM. Can Congress repeat the win with this formula..? Last time, meddling with reservation cost Bommai the election. What new tactic might Modi-Shah, having learned from that, deploy..? In short, amid Congress’s old tigers’ games, how long must we wait for the scissors to finally fall on DK’s beard..?