Trashing speculations about a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister K Siddaramaiah Thursday said that no discussion had taken place regarding the Chief Minister’s position.
Siddaramaiah, who currently is in Delhi said, “I am pretty much here before you, I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am sitting here. There is no vacancy for the CM post in Karnataka,” adding that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has himself acknowledged this.
Siddaramaiah also dismissed the idea of any power-sharing arrangement: “There is no 50-50 formula. Whatever decision is taken by the high command, we will follow it.”
Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar both landed in the national capital on Wednesday amid speculations of a change of guard.
Siddaramaiah is likely to meet Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday if he gets an appointment.
“I sought an appointment to meet Rahul Gandhi today. So far, no information,” he said.
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar downplay power tussle talk
A power tussle has been simmering between Karnataka’s two top Congress leaders ever since the party returned to power by defeating the BJP in the May 2023 Assembly elections.
Story continues below this ad
Supporters of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had claimed at the time that there was a “rotational Chief Minister” arrangement, under which he would take over from Siddaramaiah midway through the five-year term. However, the Congress leadership has never officially confirmed any such agreement.
Amid renewed speculation, Shivakumar recently denied any plans for a leadership change or Cabinet reshuffle. “There is no Cabinet reshuffle on the agenda. The Chief Minister and I are in Delhi to meet Union Ministers regarding state matters,” he said.
With Siddaramaiah’s tenure nearing its halfway mark, the question about a power shuffle has risen again. However, Siddaramaiah last week stressed that he would remain the CM for the entire tenure. Shivakumar agreed saying he had no option but to stand by his senior colleague.
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar meet Rajnath Singh
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, along with few cabinet ministers met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Wednesday and sought support from centre for a wide range of proposals.
Story continues below this ad
Requests included transfer of around 15 acres of defence land to the state government for key infrastructure projects in Bengaluru, allowing Indian Air Force to participate in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations by deputing their aerobatic teams, and approval process for the above land proposals.
Shivakumar also visited AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence for a meeting in attempts to keep his case before her. “However, I doubt if anything will change in the state. Siddaramaiah is among the top OBC leaders the Congress has – perhaps the one with most appeal and mass support. Why will Congress change him?” asked the leader.
Source link
[ad_3]
[ad_4]