Parameshwara: Calls for Replacement of K’taka Congress Chief Are Natural

Bengaluru, Jan 16 (NationPress) The internal strife within the ruling Congress party has escalated as Home Minister G. Parameshwara indicated that it is natural for party leaders to call for the removal of the existing Karnataka Congress state president. This statement sparked an angry response from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru on Thursday, when questioned about the push to replace KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar, Parameshwara remarked, “I am unaware of the calls for changing the State Congress President. However, he (D.K. Shivakumar) is the head of the state unit and also oversees two major portfolios. Given this context, it is understandable that leaders would seek a replacement.”

“When I held the position of State President, I encountered a similar scenario. At that time, I chose to step down from my ministerial role to focus on party duties. I was given the choice between being a minister or the state party president, and I opted for the latter. Now, a similar sentiment is emerging,” he explained.

“Shivakumar is likely to experience pressure given his dual responsibilities. The organization also carries significant weight. It remains to be seen what decision the high command will reach regarding this matter,” he added.

When asked about complaints from legislators regarding the organization’s issues being sidelined in the state, he stated, “The high command is monitoring the developments concerning the organization. They are aware of community meetings. Certainly, they must have noted these occurrences.” Parameshwara's comments were in reference to a meeting involving SC-ST ministers, MLAs, and MPs that he had organized but was postponed by the party's high command.

In response to inquiries about a report by KPCC Working President Manjunath Bhandary concerning Ministers R.B. Thimmapura and Satish Jarkiholi, he said, “Let the report be presented. They are here to receive the report while others are here to submit it,” he added with a chuckle.

Deputy CM and State Party President D.K. Shivakumar reacted with frustration to the ongoing discussions about leadership changes, stating, “If anyone seeks a position, will the media facilitate that? Positions are not available in media outlets or stores. After evaluating their contributions and performance, party leaders will assign positions. Can one demand party positions through media? These are novel developments.”

Meanwhile, while addressing the delay in presenting the caste census report to the cabinet, Home Minister Parameshwara remarked, “I noted the statement made by CM Siddaramaiah today. He will clarify in the cabinet meeting why the caste census report presentation was postponed. There are various reasons for these deferrals.”

“The government has no intention of undermining the Vokkaliga and Lingayat communities through the caste census, contrary to what Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy suggested,” Parameshwara affirmed.

When questioned about any pressure regarding the caste census report presentation, he replied, “To my knowledge, there is no such pressure. The caste census submission was delayed and requires discussion before being made public. I expect it to be addressed in the next cabinet meeting.”