Is the Congress High Command's Decision Unquestionable? Siddaramaiah Weighs In on Karnataka Leadership Struggles
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress High Command's Decision: Final and definitive according to Siddaramaiah.
- Leadership Stability: Siddaramaiah aims to complete a full term amidst leadership discussions.
- S. Nijalingappa's Legacy: Remembered as a principled leader in Karnataka's political history.
- Guarantee Schemes: No discussions on revisions reported during CLP meetings.
- Political Unity: Importance of leadership roles in Karnataka's governance.
Belagavi, Dec 10 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing leadership struggle within Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Wednesday that the decision made by the party's high command is definitive.
His remarks came after he honored the late leader S. Nijalingappa by placing floral tributes at his portrait in Suvarna Soudha, Belagavi, celebrating the occasion of Nijalingappa's birth anniversary.
When queried about his continuation as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah indicated that the final word lies with the party's senior leadership.
Previously, he had asserted his intention to serve a full five-year term. Controversy arose when his son, Congress MLC Yathindra, claimed that the high command dismissed Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar's aspirations to assume the Chief Minister's role, reaffirming that Siddaramaiah would remain in position for the entire term.
In response to inquiries about potential amendments to guarantee schemes, the Chief Minister clarified that there had been no discussions regarding guarantees in the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting.
He questioned, "Is it feasible to disclose all details of the CLP meeting to the media?" However, sources indicated that both factions, led by CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar, have been cautioned against making any statements regarding leadership and the Chief Minister's role.
Reports suggest that MLAs strongly opposed the five guarantee schemes, requesting financial support for their constituency development.
Additionally, CM Siddaramaiah mentioned that he had reached out to the Prime Minister, urging the government to establish a Minimum Support Price for tur dal.
Siddaramaiah characterized the late S. Nijalingappa as one of Karnataka’s most distinguished political figures, commending him as a capable and principled leader. "Nijalingappa exemplified integrity throughout his career and was an extraordinary political leader in Karnataka," he stated.
He acknowledged Nijalingappa's service as Chief Minister of Karnataka and as President of the undivided Congress at the AICC. "Despite political disagreements with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Nijalingappa courageously formed a separate party and was a staunch opponent of corruption," Siddaramaiah noted.
He emphasized Nijalingappa's vital contribution to the unification of Karnataka, affirming, "The principles of such an honest and courageous leader continue to inspire us. On his birth anniversary, we honor his legacy," he concluded.
Shivakumar also paid floral tributes to Nijalingappa's portrait at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi.