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Bengaluru, Oct 27 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar on Monday dismissed speculations about a possible leadership change in the state, saying Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s comments on the matter have ended the debate.
“Once the chief minister has spoken, the matter is over. After that, what else? We will do whatever he says,” Shivakumar told reporters near Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport after returning from Delhi. When asked about Siddaramaiah’s comment that he would remain chief minister for the entire term “only if the high command decides so”, Shivakumar said, “Nothing more to say. This is the end of the matter.”
Answering questions about his Delhi visit, Deputy CM Shivkumar clarified that it is not related to any political discussion. He said, “I had gone to the residence of my party working committee member Ambika Soni to express her condolences on the demise of her husband. She had a close relationship with me and had met me along with Sonia Gandhi when I was in Tihar jail.” He said that the two leaders had an old relationship during the tenure of former Chief Minister SM Krishna.
On speculation that he has met the Congress high command, Shivakumar said, “I can only speak about my official work-related visit. As far as meetings with the high command are concerned – you can speculate as much as you want in the media, the public and others. It is not a matter that concerns me.”
The leadership issue resurfaced on Monday when Siddaramaiah, speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, said he would remain chief minister for the full five-year term “only if the high command so decides”, though earlier he had said he would complete the term and lead the party in the next assembly elections.
The statement assumes significance as the Congress-led government completes half its term on November 20, amid talk that Shivakumar may stake claim to the chief minister’s post for the latter half of the term.
Asked about his supporters expecting a change of leadership, Siddaramaiah said, “In a democratic system, we cannot stop those who are in competition. It is their democratic right to aspire. One can stake a claim for the chief minister’s post, but the final decision will be taken by the high command.”
–IANS
MKA/PGH