MANGALURU: Amid renewed speculation over a change in leadership in Karnataka and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s visit to Delhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday reiterated that the decision on whether he continues in office rests entirely with the Congress high command.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Siddaramaiah said, “In a democracy, everyone has the right to contest for the post of Chief Minister. The contest cannot be avoided. But the high command will take the final decision.” His remarks came as several ministers made public statements about a possible leadership change in the State.
When asked about Siddaramaiah’s comments, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded, “What is there to add when the Chief Minister himself has said it? We will listen to whatever he says.” Shivakumar, who was in Delhi earlier in the day, met senior Congress leaders but declined to elaborate on the purpose of his visit. He confirmed, however, that he met Ambika Soni to offer condolences following the death of her husband.
Sources close to Shivakumar suggested that he was displeased with the Chief Minister’s supporters - including Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra, for publicly commenting on the leadership issue while he was in Delhi for discussions with party leaders.
Reports of a purported power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, involving a rotation of the Chief Minister’s post after two and a half years, have fuelled speculation. While Shivakumar’s camp has cited the understanding to justify a possible leadership change, Siddaramaiah’s supporters have dismissed the existence of any such deal.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the Congress high command has given no indication of either a Cabinet reshuffle or a leadership change. He cautioned that public speculation over the issue was creating confusion and distracting from governance. “The administration needs clarity to focus on real issues like floods and road safety,” he remarked.
On calls by supporters of senior leader K.H. Muniyappa to make him Chief Minister, Parameshwara said the veteran had “merit and eligibility,” adding that the final decision would rest with the high command after the Bihar elections.
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