'Swamy Cannot Decide On This': K'taka CM On Vokkaliga Seer Asking Him To Step Down

Amid reported infighting within Karnataka Congress, the demand was made by the Seer during an event marking 515th birth anniversary of Kempe Gowda, founder of Bengaluru, attended by CM Siddaramaiah.

After prominent seer of the Vokkaliga community Chandrashekara Swamiji called for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to step down and allow Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take over the position, Siddaramaiah emphasised that the decision regarding the Chief Minister's position rests with the party high command.

Addressing on the Seer's comment, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized, "The Swamy cannot decide on this. It is for the high command to decide, and whatever decision it makes will be followed." 

Amid reported infighting within the Karnataka Congress, the demand was made by the Seer during an event marking the 515th birth anniversary of Kempe Gowda, the founder of Bengaluru, attended by CM Siddaramaiah.

Seer Urges Siddaramaiah To Vacate CM Chair

Speaking to the media afterward, the seer reiterated his position: "It is Shivakumar's turn now. Hence, CM Siddaramaiah should vacate his chair for him. Later, Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda can become CM."

"Everyone has enjoyed the seat of power by becoming the Chief Minister except D.K. Shivakumar. Hence, I request our experienced Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to vacate the CM's post and bless Shivakumar," Chandrashekara Swamiji declared at the event.

Highlighting Shivakumar's pivotal role in the Congress's electoral success, Swamiji stated, "Who won 135 seats for the Congress in Karnataka? It was Shivakumar who spent money, toured the state, and ensured the party's victory. Siddaramaiah was sitting quietly before coming to power. I don't want to comment further on this. But handing over power to Shivakumar is justice."

The seer clarified that he was expressing his own views and had not discussed the matter with Shivakumar. "I am speaking my mind. He (Shivakumar) should have become the CM by now, but Siddaramaiah has not given him the opportunity and is holding on to the post. Someone should convince Siddaramaiah. I am not talking about the Vokkaliga community. I am vouching for Shivakumar," he added.

The seer's remarks have reignited debates in the state's political corridors about Shivakumar's long-anticipated chance to serve as Chief Minister.