The Aryavarth Express
Mysore (Karnataka):
Amid speculation over a possible change in leadership in Karnataka after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said he has complete faith in the party high command and is confident of completing his full tenure.
Addressing reporters in Mysore, Siddaramaiah said any decision regarding the Chief Minister’s post rests entirely with the Congress leadership. “I have full faith in the high command. I am confident that I will complete my full term as Chief Minister. Whatever happens, the high command will decide everything, and its decision will be final,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Siddaramaiah added that he had never imagined holding multiple key positions. “I once thought it would be enough if I became an MLA just once. But I have been an MLA, Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Minister,” he said.
Clarifying reports about his recent meeting with AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, the Chief Minister said the interaction was not political in nature and did not involve discussions on a Cabinet reshuffle. “He was travelling to Delhi via Bengaluru through Mysuru, so I met him. That’s all. There was no political discussion, nor did we discuss cabinet reshuffle. If the high command calls me to Delhi regarding a reshuffle, I will go,” he stated.
Speculation over the Karnataka Chief Minister’s post has been ongoing within the Congress since the government reached its halfway point on November 20. The debate has centred around Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, a senior Dalit leader.
On the Ballari incident, where violence broke out during preparations for the unveiling of a Maharishi Valmiki statue, Siddaramaiah said the investigation report is still awaited. He accused the JD(S) and BJP of politicising the issue and said he would discuss handing over the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
“An investigation is underway. Let the report come; I will speak after that. Today, I will discuss with the Home Minister in Bengaluru about handing the case over to the CID,” he added.
