Belagavi (Karnataka), Oct 4 (NationPress) In response to remarks from BJP leaders regarding a potential leadership shift in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly asserted on Saturday that the determination of who occupies the Chief Minister’s position is strictly an internal affair of the Congress party.

Speaking with journalists at the Belagavi airport during the inauguration of the super-speciality hospital at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences, he emphasized, “The matter of who holds the Chief Minister’s post is an internal issue for the Congress party. The BJP should not concern themselves with it.”

Prior to this, R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, had claimed on Friday that the power-sharing arrangement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister, State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, is “entirely accurate.”

Ashoka stated, “I have mentioned that a revolution will take place in November, and Siddaramaiah will step down as CM. I maintain my stance. Between November and December, a shift is guaranteed. The power-sharing arrangement is completely true, and disputes have already begun.”

When questioned about reports suggesting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had affirmed his intention to remain in office for five years, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal responded, “Every visit to Karnataka brings the same question and agenda. The Congress party possesses the authority to determine its internal matters. Allow us to make our decisions, and the party will act when necessary.”

In addressing allegations by R. Ashoka regarding the diversion of NDRF funds for guarantee schemes, CM Siddaramaiah criticized the BJP, stating, “The effectiveness of our guarantee schemes has caused unrest within the BJP. The Congress government has honored its commitments and is implementing the guarantees without fail.”

He clarified that NDRF funds are not being allocated to guarantee schemes.

“The BJP perceives everything through a biased lens, and our successful guarantee schemes have disturbed their peace. Our guarantees are being replicated in several states including Bihar, Delhi, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. Prime Minister Modi claimed that fulfilling these guarantees was impossible. However, the Congress government has fulfilled its promises consistently,” CM Siddaramaiah stated.

Expressing pride during the inauguration, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked, “It’s a moment of joy that the super-speciality hospital at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS), for which the foundation stone was laid in 2017, is finally inaugurated. This project faced delays during the BJP’s administration, and its management has not been transferred to any private entity.”