Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reiterated that the Congress government will complete its full five-year term, even as preparations are underway for a grand event in Tumakuru to mark the completion of three years of the term.
He told reporters at Mysuru airport that he had no information about any move to replace him and said the decision rests with the Congress high command only.
“I have no information about changing the prime minister. The high command will decide that. I will abide by the decision of the high command. If they let me, I will go. If I need to go, I will go when Rahul Gandhi sets a date,” he said.
He added that he had no immediate plans to visit New Delhi.
He repeated, saying: “If he asks me to, I will go. If Rahul Gandhi sets an appointment, I will meet him,” refusing to delve into this issue further.
The Chief Minister’s repeated assertions come amid an ongoing political debate about a possible shift in leadership within the state Congress. Siddaramaiah asserted that the decision was beyond his reach.
“I will abide by any decision taken by the party high command. The issue of leadership is entirely up to them,” he said.
On the other hand, preparations for a large-scale general conference in Tumakuru on May 20 have raised speculation in the context of the leadership debate.
Originally intended as a departmental review meeting, the program has been expanded into a state-wide gathering expected to attract over 200,000 beneficiaries from across Karnataka.
State Home Minister G Parameshwara, who chaired a preparatory meeting with district officials, confirmed that the event will now be organized as a major conference under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
“But now, as the state government will complete three years on May 20, a mega state-level conference will be held in Tumakuru itself,” he said.
Most members of the state government, along with legislators and members of Parliament, are expected to attend the conference, placing government leadership at the center of a high-visibility public programme.
According to official plans, the event will be held on the grounds of the Government College in Tumakuru, with extensive logistical arrangements in place. About 4,000 buses are scheduled to be deployed to transport attendees, reflecting the scale of mobilization envisioned by the administration.
An official statement said: “More than 2,000 beneficiaries from all over the state will participate in the conference to be held on May 20, and 4,000 buses will be required for beneficiaries coming from all over the state. In addition, an exhibition will be held on the implementation of unprecedented successful schemes of the state government and the progress made by other departments. A program to distribute benefits to beneficiaries will also be organized.”
Parameshwara directed the officials to ensure that arrangements for the event are implemented without glitches, including seating, food, transportation and inter-departmental coordination.
“In this regard, officials from various departments should immediately provide the district administration with the progress list related to their department, information about foundation stone laying or inauguration, and information about stone plaques. Since beneficiaries from all over the state will be coming to the mega conference, seating, food and transportation arrangements should be handled without any lapses,” he said.
Officials concerned have also been ordered to organize supporting infrastructure such as helipad, exhibition space and stage arrangements before the event, while coordinating with the state Public Works Department on details related to the inauguration of the project.
