Bengaluru, May 21: Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara has dismissed rumors of a leadership struggle within the Congress government. He stated that any decision regarding the Chief Minister’s position will solely be made by the party high command. Parameshwara questioned who initiated the discussion on leadership change.
During a press interaction in Bengaluru, when asked about his previous claims regarding the Chief Minister’s role, Parameshwara emphasized that he is not silent but prefers not to engage in public statements.
“I am not silent. Do you want me to make statements everywhere on this issue? There is a high command in the party, and they will determine how things will proceed at the appropriate time,” he said.
He further noted, “Making statements in the media will not help me gain any position in the party. The high command will decide whether to change or retain the Chief Minister. Discussing it here will not alter anything. The final decision rests with the high command.”
Parameshwara also mentioned that, to his knowledge, no time frame was set for Siddaramaiah’s tenure as Chief Minister after Congress came to power.
“As far as I know, there was no fixed term for Siddaramaiah. The high command or party secretaries have not provided us with any information regarding this,” he added.
When questioned about the demand for clarity from the Congress high command regarding the leadership dispute, Parameshwara stated that if there are no questions, there is no need for clarification.
“If there are questions, they will clarify. If there are no questions, why provide an explanation? Who raised the issue of leadership change? Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has already clarified that he has not demanded a leadership change,” he remarked.
In response to Congress MLA and former minister K.N. Rajanna’s suggestion that Parameshwara should become Chief Minister if a leadership change occurs, the Home Minister remarked that this statement was made in goodwill.
“We are from the same district and studied together. Naturally, there will be goodwill. He might have thought that Tumakuru district should get representation if the opportunity arises. What is wrong with that?”
Parameshwara defended his statement about linking Tumakuru city to Bengaluru to attract investments. He clarified that he is not suggesting changing the identity of Tumakuru district.
“My suggestion should be understood correctly. I am not changing the name of the district. Who am I to change the identity of the region? Given Tumakuru city’s proximity to Bengaluru, linking the two could help attract investments,” he explained.
He accused the BJP of unnecessary criticism, stating that the party does not understand the concept of development.
Parameshwara provided an example, noting that Noida is considered part of the Delhi region but maintains its own identity. Similarly, many countries link neighboring cities for development.
He highlighted that Tumakuru is very close to Bengaluru, where a 20,000-acre industrial hub is being developed, with two phases already completed. He claimed it is being touted as Asia’s largest industrial hub.
“We have allocated land for a Japanese township, and several major companies have established themselves there. Food parks have also been set up. Tumakuru has millions of students, nine engineering colleges, and three medical colleges. They need opportunities,” he concluded.
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