'Solid As Rock For 5 Years': Siddaramaiah Dismisses Talk Of Karnataka Leadership Change; Kharge Issues Warning
Siddaramaiah's rection comes amid speculation regarding a possible change in Karnataka leadership, after Congress MLA H. A. Iqbal Hussain suggested that Shivakumar might assume the chief ministership within the coming months.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday reiterated the stability of the Congress-led state government, assuring the public that the administration will remain as "solid as a rock" for the entirety of its five-year term. Addressing reporters in Mysuru on Monday, Siddaramaiah emphasised he is on good terms with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, dispelling rumors of discord within the party’s leadership.
"This government will stand as solid as a rock for five years," Siddaramaiah stated, referencing the local term "bande" (rock) and highlighting unity by raising Shivakumar’s hand during the press interaction. He further dismissed claims of internal strife, noting, "We are on good terms," and asserted that external attempts to create division would not affect their cooperation. "We don’t listen to what others say." Shivakumar nodded in agreement.
Responding to allegations from BJP leaders that he would not preside over the inauguration of the renowned Mysuru Dasara celebrations this year, Siddaramaiah criticised such statements as baseless. “BJP leaders are experts in spreading falsehoods,” he remarked, questioning the credibility of those making such claims.
"BJP leaders are experts in lying. Sriramulu, who made this claim, has lost how many times? He lost both the Parliament and the Assembly elections. How can someone who keeps losing predict the future?" he asked.
Siddaramaiah's rection comes amid speculation regarding a possible change in leadership, which intensified following comments from Congress MLA H. A. Iqbal Hussain. The Congress leader suggested that Shivakumar might assume the chief ministership within the coming months.
Additionally, Cooperation Minister K. N. Rajanna alluded to "revolutionary" political developments expected after September.
Speculations of a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had been doing the rounds for some time. However, they subsided after clear instructions from the party high command.
Surjewala Meets Congress MLAs Amid Leadership Change Buzz
Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, began meetings with party legislators in Bengaluru today amid speculations of "digruntlement" and speculations about change in leadership.
During his three-day visit, Surjewala is likely to hold mostly one-on-one meetings with legislators, PTI reported citing party sources. He is scheduled to meet MLAs from Kolar and Chikkaballpura regions today to hear their grievances and get feedback on the functioning of the government in the state.
Kharge Warns Against Creating Problem
In Bengaluru, All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the ongoing speculation, clarifying that decisions regarding leadership changes rest solely with the party’s high command. He also warned against creating any unnecessary problem.
"See, that is in the hands of the high command. Nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command and the high command has got power to take further action. But unnecessarily one should not create problem," he told reporters here.
The Congress party, which took office in Karnataka in 2023, has faced persistent rumours of a rotational chief ministership between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, though no official confirmation has been provided. Currently, Siddaramaiah serves as Chief Minister, with Shivakumar as his deputy.
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