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Bengaluru, October 15 (IANS) One of the senior most leaders of the Congress party, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Wednesday said if AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge decides to enter state politics, he is welcome.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said in response to a question, “Any decision taken by the high command will be respected, especially if Khargeji wants to come to Karnataka. He is our senior leader and if he wants to come to Karnataka, he is welcome.”
On the question of possible change in the Chief Minister, he said, “I am not able to answer this question. It completely depends on the decision of the high command. Will there be any change, and if so, who will be the possible candidate, I am not in a position to answer.”
These statements have become very important amid the ongoing leadership dispute in the state.
Meanwhile, supporting the candidature of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Congress MLA HC Balakrishna said that Shivakumar has worked hard to bring Congress to power in the state. He said, “I am confident that the high command will give him a chance. I have confidence in the high command on this, because they are fully aware of the work done by Shivakumar.”
Another Congress MLA, Belur Gopal Krishna, said, “Both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar have contributed to the party. It is up to the high command to take decisions, and we will follow their orders.”
MLA Gopal Krishna also said, “I have asked for a cabinet post and consider myself a strong contender. There is a cabinet reshuffle going on, and we have the right to put forth our demands. If the party gives a post, I will be happy; if not, I will not indulge in anti-party activities.”
He further suggested, “Instead of just a reshuffle, a new cabinet should be formed. The reshuffle will mainly benefit a few leaders.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is visiting the historic Hasanamba temple in Hassan on Wednesday, a move that assumes political significance as it follows the visit of Deputy Chief Minister and state president DK Shivakumar, who is seen as a contender for the chief ministerial post. Hasanamba is called Vaishnodevi of South India.
–IANS
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