Mysuru, Nov 21 (NationPress) In the midst of a leadership dispute and a trip to Delhi by several Ministers and MLAs reportedly aiming for a leadership shift in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Friday that he will remain in his position and will present the state budget for the duration of the government's term.

While addressing the media at Mandakalli Airport in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah responded to questions regarding the leadership concerns within the Congress-led state government.

When asked if he would indeed present the state budget this year and for the remainder of the term, the Chief Minister replied, "Why are you (media) inquiring about this? Yes, I will continue as the Chief Minister and will also present the budget."

Regarding a potential meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Siddaramaiah stated, "Kharge is arriving in Bengaluru today, and I will meet him tomorrow (Saturday)."

On the leadership dispute in Karnataka, he noted, "Has the Congress high command made any statement in this regard? Whatever they decide, we will adhere to. Everyone, including MLAs, Ministers, and myself, must respect the High Command's decision."

"All decisions will be made by the high command. I will update the media whenever they communicate anything," he added.

When pressed about when the Congress high command would announce its decision, Siddaramaiah curtly advised reporters to direct their inquiries to the high command.

The Chief Minister emphasized, "The high command will determine the course of action. Whether it's a leadership change or a Cabinet reshuffle, who is in charge of these decisions? The high command. Has anyone from the high command addressed this? Nothing can happen until they do. There have been discussions in the past, and some have even traveled to Delhi now."

He reiterated that any decision by the Congress high command must be adhered to by him, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and all others involved.

When queried about the statements made by former MP and younger brother of Deputy CM Shivakumar, D.K. Suresh, who affirmed his commitments, Siddaramaiah remarked, "I will not retract my promises. I have implemented all guarantee schemes."

In response to whether Suresh's comments indicated a power-sharing deal, Siddaramaiah asserted that such matters would be handled by the party high command.

Concerning the Delhi visits by Congress MLAs and Ministers, the Chief Minister queried, "Is there any regulation prohibiting them from going to Delhi?"

He continued, "I am unaware if Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has gone to Delhi, but the Deputy CM has already issued a statement on this matter. What more is there to discuss? I spoke with Minister Cheluvarayaswamy; he informed me he was in Delhi. Even today, during a video conference, he mentioned he was there to meet the Union Agriculture Minister."

Meanwhile, a senior leader and Financial Advisor to the Chief Minister stated in Bengaluru that changes in leadership are not to be taken lightly.

"For a new Chief Minister to be appointed, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) must reach a consensus, and party veterans will guide this process. It is imperative to convene all MLAs for a CLP meeting," he explained.

"Without such a procedure, claims regarding the change of Chief Minister are meaningless. This discussion is unnecessary and irrelevant," Siddaramaiah stated.

On Thursday afternoon, MLAs from Shivakumar's faction traveled to Delhi in two separate aircraft. Led by Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, the group included legislators K. Ranganath, S. R. Srinivas, Ganiga Ravi, Kadaluru Uday, Iqbal Hussain, T.D. Rajegowda, Shivanna, Mahendra Tammannavar, Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil, and MLCs S. Ravi and Dinesh Gooligowda.

Ministers Cheluvarayaswamy and Shivanand Patil have asserted that their arrival in Delhi is related to departmental responsibilities and not for political discussions concerning the state.

Political unrest is escalating within the Karnataka Congress as the government marks its two-and-a-half-year milestone on Friday.

The faction loyal to Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has reached Delhi and is visibly pressuring party leadership for a change in leadership, as confirmed by sources on Thursday.

Party leaders indicated that the push from Deputy CM Shivakumar's faction in Delhi is occurring amidst a lack of clear communication from the Congress high command regarding the long-standing power-sharing agreement.

This situation follows Deputy CM Shivakumar's expression of a desire to step down as the State party President at an event, coinciding with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's assertion that there will be no leadership change in the state and that discussions on the topic are unnecessary.

Sources close to the Deputy Chief Minister's faction revealed that the legislators who traveled to Delhi aim to apply pressure on the Congress high command for clarity regarding the power-sharing arrangement.

They also intend to insist on the prior commitment to transfer power after two-and-a-half years.

The legislators plan to urge the party's national leadership to engage in negotiations and reach a decision by December.

On Thursday afternoon, MLAs from Shivakumar's faction flew to Delhi in two separate aircraft.