Karnataka Minister Warns: Touch CM Siddaramaiah, Face Ashes

Ballari (Karnataka), Feb 26 (NationPress) Amid the ongoing discord within the Congress party in Karnataka, State Minister for Housing and Waqf B.Z. Zameer Ahmad Khan made a provocative remark stating that anyone who attempts to touch Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will face dire consequences and be reduced to ashes.

This statement arises during discussions regarding power dynamics and potential changes in the party leadership. Sources within the party suggest that this comment targets Deputy CM and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, given that Minister Zameer is known to be an ally of CM Siddaramaiah.

While addressing the media in Ballari, Minister Zameer stated, "CM Siddaramaiah is akin to fire. Anyone who dares to challenge him will face severe repercussions like being burnt to ashes."

This remark was made in light of the ongoing power struggle within the party. He later mentioned that there are currently no vacancies for the positions of CM or state party president.

"D.K. Shivakumar stands as the KPCC President, and Siddaramaiah serves as the CM. There are no available positions, thus no reason for further discussion," he insisted.

Zameer reiterated, "Can anyone even consider challenging CM Siddaramaiah? He is like fire. Anyone who attempts to do so will face consequences. We lovingly refer to him as ‘Tagaru' (Ram, male sheep), and no one can stand against this fire."

As Siddaramaiah belongs to the shepherd community, his supporters affectionately use the name ‘Tagaru’ as a sign of love and respect.

Highlighting the Congress party's structure, Zameer stated, "Our party operates under the high command. If there are any leadership changes proposed by the high command, we can voice our opinions. However, as of now, no such changes have been decided. Our party leaders have not called for CM Siddaramaiah's replacement.

He acknowledged that various communities, including Lingayats, Dalits, minorities, and SC/ST groups, hope to see a leader from their community as CM, but the ultimate decision lies with the high command.

The Congress party in Karnataka is currently embroiled in a significant power struggle, with some ministers advocating for the replacement of Dy CM Shivakumar as the state party head. Many of these ministers belong to marginalized communities and are close associates of CM Siddaramaiah. Ministers G. Parameshwara, K.N. Rajanna, and Satish Jarkiholi have traveled to Delhi independently, urging the high command to appoint a new state Congress president. They express frustration over being denied the opportunity to hold meetings for MLAs and MLCs from their communities.

Conversely, Shivakumar has also visited Delhi, where he reportedly discussed power-sharing and made a compelling case to maintain his position as state party president at all costs. With tensions escalating, all eyes are now focused on the next steps from the Congress high command.