Belagavi, Dec 11 (NationPress) The ongoing leadership struggle in Karnataka intensified as Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reaffirmed his previous controversial statement that the high command has ruled out any changes in the state leadership. He emphasized that he has communicated everything that needed to be addressed.

This statement has become increasingly relevant as tensions escalated following Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar’s call for clarification from the Chief Minister. CM Siddaramaiah has consistently stated that he will adhere to the high command’s directives regarding any shifts in leadership.

During a press conference in Belagavi on Thursday, Yathindra, when confronted with criticism that his comments had sparked controversy and embarrassed the party, responded: “I have already communicated everything necessary. I cannot repeatedly issue clarifications.”

When questioned about Deputy CM Shivakumar's request for clarification from his father regarding remarks about the Chief Minister’s position, Yathindra stated, “I won’t respond to anyone’s comments. I can only make a statement once; should I repeat it?”

This development is likely to further fuel the leadership debate within the party. Shivakumar is widely regarded as a significant contender for the Chief Minister’s role.

Earlier, while addressing reporters in Belagavi, Yathindra, in response to inquiries about potential leadership changes, said, “There is no struggle for the CM’s position. I have already conveyed this. Now everything is clear. The high command has explicitly stated that there will be no leadership changes for now.”

Shivakumar reacted by commenting: “I believe the CM will respond to him.”

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close ally of the Chief Minister, remarked: “Siddaramaiah will act according to the high command’s guidance. No decision regarding leadership change has been made. We will comply with what the CM states. Whatever the CM and the high command decide, we will follow.”

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, a strong supporter of Deputy CM Shivakumar, remarked: “When we discuss leadership, they issue a notice. Our high command is powerful, not weak. There is discipline within the Congress party, and we are committed to it. No one can override the high command.”

“If we speak, it becomes scandalous; if he (the CM’s son) speaks, it seems magical. He must understand the context before commenting. We should all be aware of our roles,” he added.

The recent tensions began after Yathindra remarked on Monday that those speculating about a change in the Chief Minister’s position were “dreaming.” He stated that the Congress high command had already clarified that there would be no shifts in the state’s leadership.

Yathindra stated: “Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed his aspirations for the CM position. In response, the high command clarified that now is not the right time and confirmed that there will be no changes in the Chief Minister.”

He concluded: “This matter is settled. Thus, there is no longer any struggle. Opposition parties are unnecessarily spreading rumors and creating false perceptions.”

The internal conflict within the Congress in Karnataka deepened after Yathindra Siddaramaiah reiterated his commitment to his controversial statement that the high command did not support Shivakumar’s ambitions for the Chief Minister’s role and asserted that his father would complete the full term.

Speaking to reporters at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, Yathindra remarked: “I stand by my words. I have communicated everything necessary. I will not respond to those statements any further. There is nothing more to say now. I cannot continuously respond to every reaction. Let anyone say whatever they want.”