Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, firmly dismissed leadership change speculations on Wednesday, asserting that he will remain in his position for the entire five-year term. Siddaramaiah confidently stated, 'Yes, I will be the Chief Minister for five years. Do you have any doubt?' This statement revealed growing differences within the Karnataka Congress.
What will Shivakumar do now?
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed, 'What options do I have? I have to stand with him and support him. Whatever the high command says, I must act accordingly.' These statements from Karnataka's top leaders emerged during a period when party legislators openly demanded Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister's role mid-term.
Read also: 'D.K. Shivakumar might be Karnataka's Chief Minister in two months,' claims Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain
Siddaramaiah's remarks were seen as an effort to quell political discussions regarding potential leadership changes in the state government. This followed Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala's clarification on Tuesday, denying any plans for a leadership transition in Karnataka.
Responding to BJP's Allegations
Siddaramaiah addressed BJP leaders' claims that Congress could replace him as CM mid-term. He pointed out that the BJP can claim anything; however, they're not our high command. Congress's internal affairs won't be dictated by its political competitors.
Also read: 'No matter what anyone says, our relations are great,' Siddaramaiah on rumored conflicts with D.K. Shivakumar
Earlier, Shivakumar had stated that he harbors no desire to become Chief Minister. His focus remains on strengthening Congress before the 2028 Assembly elections. In an exclusive interview with Aaj Tak, Shivakumar remarked, 'Discipline is the highest priority for Congress.'
When asked about legislators' open support for him as Chief Minister, Shivakumar responded, 'I need no one's support. I'm not aspiring for the Chief Minister role at this time. My focus is ensuring Congress's return to power in 2028, which remains my priority.'
Decision Lies with Congress High Command
In response to leadership change speculations, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge declared that such a decision rests with the party high command. He emphasized that only the Congress high command can make this decision, and no needless controversies should arise. BJP's criticism of Kharge followed these assertions.
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya commented that if Congress President Kharge isn't the high command, this unseen command is like a ghost that's only sensed. He mentioned that although Kharge doesn't see himself as the high command, he constantly reiterates it.
