Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is ready to either continue in office or step down, depending on the decision of the Congress high command, senior party leader K N Rajanna on Tuesday said amid speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka.
His remarks come amid renewed pressure from supporters of Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar, who have been seeking a change in leadership. Some leaders allied with Shivakumar have recently indicated that they expect clarity on the issue by mid-May.
Rajanna, a former minister who is seen as close to Siddaramaiah, said the Prime Minister had clearly conveyed his position in recent discussions with his colleagues. “The Prime Minister has an open mind and said that he will adhere to the directions of the high command and Rahul Gandhi, and that everyone should cooperate. The Prime Minister reiterated that he will adhere to Gandhi’s directions and suggested that everyone should follow the decision. All the ministers agreed to it,” he said.
He added: “Power is not permanent for any politician. Whoever lost it will try to get it, and whoever gained it will try to preserve it.”
Rajanna urged the party leadership to resolve the matter without delay, warning that the prolonged uncertainty could affect governance. “I urge the high command not to allow the confusion to continue; as long as the confusion continues, it is detrimental to the party and the governance. I will go to Delhi after May 4,” he said.
He reiterated his position on leadership representation. “What’s the problem with that? I am committed to the statement that there should be a Dalit chief minister,” he said, adding that the final decision rests with the party leadership. “We told the senior leadership what we needed to do.”
Rajanna suggested that any changes should not be limited to the government alone. He added, “If the ministers have to be changed, why not change the party president? Everything will be decided by the high leadership.”
The leadership discussion coincided with a series of visits by Karnataka state ministers to New Delhi in recent days. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa, both considered close to Siddaramaiah, met senior party leaders to get clarity on the situation. While some leaders expect a decision to be taken after election results in other states and by-elections in Karnataka are announced after May 4, party leaders have indicated that the timeline may change due to the upcoming elections to the Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said the Congress leadership is aware of the developments and will take a decision soon.
Responding to questions about frequent trips to the national capital by leaders from both camps, Parameshwara said such visits were routine, adding that ministers often travel to Delhi for official business and funding discussions.
