Bengaluru, Nov 16 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership conflict concerning the Chief Minister's position in Karnataka, Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi asserted on Sunday that the high command will be responsible for the selection of the new president for the State Pradesh Congress Committee.

Minister Jarkiholi, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, pointed out that currently, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar holds the title of State President of the Congress party.

When questioned about his recent discussion with Congress National General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, Minister Jarkiholi remarked, “Our meeting involved no political discussions.” Addressing inquiries about the potential change in KPCC President, he mentioned that with a population of six crore in the state, conversations will persist, and such deliberations cannot be curtailed.

He emphasized that the decision regarding the KPCC President rests with the party, with the high command expected to evaluate developments related to leadership modifications and make the final decision.

In a separate media interaction in Bengaluru, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, who is also D.K. Shivakumar's younger brother, noted that matters concerning cabinet restructuring are ultimately at the discretion of the Chief Minister and the high command. “The CM will make a decision, and that is the end of it,” he stated.

He added that the high command will ultimately determine any leadership changes and that external comments on this matter are unwarranted.

Commenting on the Congress party’s recent defeat in Bihar, Suresh reflected, “In a democracy, wins and losses are part of the game. The NDA government in Bihar executed guarantee schemes two months prior to the Assembly elections, leading to their victory. The populace has spoken and accepted these guarantees.”

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had expressed uncertainty regarding any cabinet expansion or leadership changes, suggesting that the Chief Minister would be more informed on the topic.

“I may travel to Delhi tomorrow (Monday). I have my commitments. It’s normal to engage with high command leaders if they are available,” he communicated.

In response to whether Dy CM Shivakumar would receive recognition for his efforts, Suresh remarked, “Let’s wait and see. Claims about positions aren’t exclusive to Dy CM Shivakumar; many in the party make such claims. We will observe how events unfold.”

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, he mentioned, “I have no information regarding this. For further details, please reach out to the Chief Minister.” When asked if the CM received approval for a cabinet reshuffle during his meeting with the high command, he stated, “I am unaware of whom he met. It’s a standard procedure to allow the CM time during his Delhi visits.”

When inquired if he would discuss cabinet expansion with the high command, he concluded, “I will refrain from commenting on that. If they solicit my views, I will share them. I am aware of what the high command inquires about, and I will not disclose that to the media. I am uncertain about the high command meeting; it may occur on Sunday.”

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who returned from Delhi Saturday night after a brief visit, is set to travel back to Delhi on Monday (November 17) for meetings with Randeep Singh Surjewala and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge.

Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday evening to discuss the challenges faced by sugarcane farmers in the state.

Deputy CM Shivakumar is already in Delhi, and party sources indicate that the topic of cabinet reshuffle will be extensively discussed by the party's national leaders. Sources have confirmed that CM Siddaramaiah is in favor of a cabinet reshuffle, while Dy CM Shivakumar has reservations concerning a complete overhaul. The party intends to assign responsibilities for party work to several senior cabinet ministers.