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Mangaluru (Karnataka), October 27 (IANS) Giving a clear indication of change of leadership in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that he will remain the Chief Minister for the full five-year tenure only when the Congress high command decides.
Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, when asked whether he would remain chief minister for the entire term, Siddaramaiah replied, “Only if the high command decides so.”
It is noteworthy that CM Siddaramaiah had earlier said that he would complete his tenure and lead the Congress party in the next assembly elections, and he had also reiterated that any decision on the post of CM would be taken by the party high command.
The latest statement has gained significance amid ongoing speculation over a possible leadership change within the ruling Congress party. Sources reveal that Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President DK Shivakumar is making a concerted effort to become the Chief Minister for the second term. Karnataka government will complete half its term on November 20. Let us tell you that Shivkumar had reached Delhi on Sunday.
Asked about the deputy chief minister’s ministers and supporters staking claim to the CM post, Siddaramaiah said, “In a democratic system, we cannot stop those who are in competition. It is their democratic right to aspire. One can stake claim to the chief minister’s post, but the final decision will be taken by the high command.”
Asked why the leadership issue keeps cropping up again and again, Siddaramaiah quipped, “It’s because the media keeps asking about it again and again.”
When asked about the possible visit of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said that he had no information about it.
Responding to former minister KN Rajanna’s statement that Siddaramaiah should complete his five-year term, the Chief Minister said this was Rajanna’s personal opinion.
Asked about the FIR lodged against senior RSS functionary Kalladka Prabhakar Bhatt, Siddaramaiah said, “An FIR will be lodged against anyone who gives hate speech. Whoever spreads hatred, rivalry, or disturbs peace – action will be taken against everyone. Kalladka Prabhakar Bhatt has made derogatory remarks about women.”
Regarding the Dharamsthal case, the Chief Minister said, “We will not interfere in the SIT investigation. Home Minister G. Parameshwara has said that the report is expected to come by October 31. Whether he submits it or not is up to him. He has not informed me but the Home Minister. We will not interfere.”
When asked about his frequent visits to Mangaluru, Siddaramaiah said, “There is no particular goal or reason. I had agreed to attend a function, and so, I came.”
–IANS
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