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Speaking at the News18 Rising Karnataka Summit, Siddaramaiah ruled out any change in Delhi politics.
Siddaramaiah said, “I do not want to do politics at the national level.” He said that he will remain active “as long as people have blessings”.
Although he had earlier indicated that he would not contest the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah said that party colleagues were urging him to reconsider.
According to News 18, he said, “I had said that I will not contest the 2028 elections. But all my friends are saying that I should contest the elections in 2028 because it will help the party. I have not decided on it.”
The Chief Minister also clarified that his son’s recent remarks were misinterpreted. He said Yatindra was only referring to an “ideological successor” and not a named future chief minister.
Awaiting call from high command
In a separate incident, responding to ongoing speculations about a possible leadership change in the Congress government, Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mangaluru that he wanted to remain in office for the entire term if supported by the party’s central leadership.
Asked about completing five years as chief minister, he said, “If the high command decides,” according to news agency PTI.
He dismissed repeated media questions in succession politics, arguing that such speculations arise “because you (the media) keep asking.”
“In a democracy, we cannot ask people in the race not to compete. It is their right. Anyone can claim to be a chief ministerial candidate, but ultimately the decision will be taken by the high command,” he said.
According to reports, internal talks are ongoing between Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on a possible power-sharing arrangement after the Congress returns to power in May 2023.
Congress needs Siddaramaiah’s support: Shivakumar
The Deputy CM has emphasized that Congress cannot afford to lose Siddaramaiah’s leadership in Karnataka.
“We need the chief minister. We need his support. If health permits, we also need him for the future. He has served as deputy chief minister, leader of opposition and chief minister. Without his blessings and support, it will be difficult for the Congress,” Shivakumar told CNN-News18.
On his personal equation with Siddaramaiah and the authority of the high command, he said, “What’s there after what the CM has said? We will follow whatever he says.”
As the Karnataka government approaches the halfway point of its term, party leaders are awaiting guidance from Delhi on possible Cabinet changes, a matter which both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar say will be decided only by the Congress high command.