Siddaramaiah reiterates that he will be CM of Karnataka for full term of five years

Ahead of a meeting with Congress top brass in New Delhi on July 10 evening, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has categorically ruled out a change in leadership in the State. He reiterated that he will remain in the post for the full five-year term.

Speaking to reporters and a few private TV channels in the national capital, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “There is no truth in media reports that the Congress high command had asked him to step down, or make way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar after two-and-a-half years in office.

“I will be Chief Minister for five years. I have already made it very clear. I made this statement on July 2 when D. K. Shivakumar was there. I will continue in the same chair and same post.”

On July 2, before the State Cabinet meeting held at Nandi Hills on the outskirts of Bengaluru, the Chief Minister stated that he would serve in the post for the full term, till 2028.

The Chief Minister rejected claims that the party high command had instructed him to share power after 30 months in office and said, “Two-and-a-half years was never decided. It is not correct. What the high command told us is that whatever decision they take, we have to follow it. We will abide by the high command’s decision. Me and Mr. Shivakumar both follow the high command’s decisions,” the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah also hinted that he would lead the party in the 2028 Assembly elections. “Like in 2023, I will lead the party. However, the high command will take a decision,” he said.

On AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, who is in charge of Karnataka, meeting Congress MLAs, the CM said Mr. Surjewala did not discuss issues related to change of CM in the State with legislators. He also ruled out a Cabinet reshuffle.

In the midst of all these developments, the Chief Minister and Mr. Shivakumar are expected to meet senior party leader and MP Rahul Gandhi and AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge in the national capital on July 10 evening.

Meanwhile, a few legislators of the Congress held a meeting at PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s residence in Bengaluru. Mr. Jarkiholi is one of the loyalists of the CM.