Bengaluru, Nov 27 (NationPress) In the midst of an ongoing leadership conflict, Minister for Housing and Waqf Zameer Ahmed Khan, a close associate of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has made it clear that the post of Chief Minister in Karnataka is not currently vacant, asserting that Siddaramaiah will remain in office until 2028.

This assertion gains significance following AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's announcement that both CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar will be summoned to Delhi to address the leadership issue.

Responding to inquiries, Zameer Khan stated, "I have consistently maintained this position. Siddaramaiah is the current Chief Minister, and he will continue in that role until 2028. However, our party is guided by the high command. We will adhere to their directives, and if they set a boundary, we will respect it."

When asked what would occur if CM Siddaramaiah were asked to resign, Zameer responded, "That scenario is not a consideration. Siddaramaiah will maintain his role."

"I have taken note of AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement. He will communicate with the relevant leaders," he added.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao remarked that once AICC President Kharge has made a statement, there is no further debate.

"If he has indicated that a meeting will take place, the involved parties will be called, consulted, and the situation will be resolved," he stated.

Former Minister and MLA K.N. Rajanna, a staunch supporter of CM Siddaramaiah, commented, "The intricacies of power sharing are known to AICC President Kharge, AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, CM Siddaramaiah, and Dy CM Shivakumar. What answer can I provide if you inquire about it?"

"When the high command summons, CM Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar will travel to Delhi. The high command will convey their message. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will respect the high command's decision," he continued.

"Our duty is to comply with the high command's directives. Whether an individual must resign or continue is a separate issue. We should avoid making assumptions. If a power-sharing agreement exists, it will be determined there. Let the high command make the final decision," he added.

"I hold the view that religious leaders should concentrate on spiritual teachings and promoting religious values. They ought to limit their involvement in political matters. Followers of religious leaders exist in every political party, and their intervention in politics is inappropriate," Rajanna stated.

He noted that issuing warnings to leaders for breaching party regulations is standard, and actions will be determined based on the situation.

"The Ahinda (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) are part of all political parties. Are they solely associated with the Congress? All major communities have representation in the Congress as well. Any political party can achieve power solely with the backing of all societal groups," he said.

"I am confident that Dy CM Shivakumar, as the State President of the party, will refrain from activities such as collecting signatures," he concluded.