Bengaluru, May 27: Amid ongoing speculation about a potential leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that he would provide clarity following his visit to Delhi. He is scheduled to discuss his meetings with the Congress high command on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary, Siddaramaiah refrained from directly addressing questions regarding his position as Chief Minister.
When asked about discussions with the Congress leadership in Delhi, he stated, “I will talk later.” In response to inquiries about when he would clarify the situation, he assured, “I will discuss every issue tomorrow.” During the tribute event, Siddaramaiah highlighted Nehru’s significant contributions to nation-building.
He remarked that Nehru, as India’s first Prime Minister, served the country for 17 years and played a crucial role in shaping modern India.
Meanwhile, Karnataka’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister K.H. Muniyappa expressed optimism that the leadership issue would be clarified after a meeting called by the Chief Minister on Thursday. He emphasized that Siddaramaiah is a people’s leader, and any confusion regarding leadership would be resolved in the breakfast meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
When asked if he would advocate for a Dalit Chief Minister in the event of a leadership change, Muniyappa stated, “I am a disciplined soldier of the party and will abide by the high command’s decision.” Muniyappa is regarded as one of the senior Congress leaders from the Dalit community in Karnataka.
Congress MLA H.C. Balakrishna reiterated his demand for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to be appointed as the next Chief Minister. He stated, “I have demanded the Chief Minister’s position for Shivakumar and I stand by my statement. No one can become Chief Minister without the blessings of Siddaramaiah and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. I will continue to voice my support for Shivakumar.”
In response to these developments, senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, criticized the Congress party. He remarked that after much demand and pressure, Shivakumar would ultimately become the Chief Minister, but it would not bring any good for the state. He predicted that Siddaramaiah would resign, and Shivakumar would take over, with little else changing. He asserted that the BJP would regain power in Karnataka by 2028.
Additionally, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra accused the Congress high command of acknowledging that the Karnataka government has failed to meet the people’s expectations over the past three years. He alleged that after lengthy meetings in Delhi, the high command decided to demand Siddaramaiah’s resignation. He claimed that the end of the Congress party is near nationwide, and Karnataka is heading in the same direction.
Vijayendra suggested that Siddaramaiah might resign on Thursday or the following day, asserting that the identity of the next Chief Minister is of little consequence. He criticized Siddaramaiah, despite being considered an experienced leader, for plunging the state into debt amounting to nearly 10 lakh crore rupees.
Despite the growing speculation and contradictory political statements, the Congress high command has yet to make any official announcement regarding a leadership change in Karnataka.
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