Bengaluru, Dec 4 (NationPress) Addressing speculation that National General Secretary and Congress Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal engaged in political discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his close aides during his recent visit to the state, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara firmly rejected any such claims. He also defended the slogans in support of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah that were raised in Venugopal's presence, which embarrassed the party.

While speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, Parameshwara stated, “I was sitting next to the Chief Minister alongside K.C. Venugopal for two hours. We didn’t discuss any political matters. Our conversation revolved around reformer Narayana Guru and his significant contributions.”

In response to the chants from D.K. Shivakumar's supporters urging that he be made Chief Minister, countered by Siddaramaiah’s followers demanding “Siddu full-term CM”, Parameshwara remarked, “Can anyone prevent party supporters from chanting slogans for their leaders? Every leader has their own followers. Naturally, they cheer for their leader to assume the role of Chief Minister or a minister.”

“Such actions are common and should not be deemed inappropriate,” he added.

Parameshwara emphasized, “If the sight of leaders dining, traveling, or being seen together causes concern within the BJP, we will continue to do so even more.”

When questioned if it was Congress leaders who were more anxious than the BJP, Parameshwara replied, “If a specific inquiry is posed, I will address it.”

Regarding comments from certain party figures suggesting that if the Congress high command opts to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the position should be filled by a Dalit leader, Parameshwara stated, “I will respond if a specific leader has made such a comment. If the inquiry is precise, I will provide an answer.”

On being asked about the Chief Minister’s meeting with the council of ministers, Parameshwara mentioned that he had not yet received an invitation and might get it during the cabinet meeting. “It is the Chief Minister’s prerogative to call meetings of cabinet ministers. Can we dictate to the CM how to proceed? It is not feasible to control when and how he conducts meetings.”

Meanwhile, after returning from Delhi on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed rumors surrounding his trip to meet national leadership. Speaking at Bengaluru Airport, he stated, “As I have previously mentioned, I attended a private marriage ceremony. Additionally, I need to coordinate travel for 300 individuals from various districts of Karnataka to Delhi on December 14. Arrangements for their travel and accommodations are in process. We are handling railway bookings, while those wishing to fly will need to arrange their travel independently.”

“I am also occupied with preparations related to the Assembly session. The respective ministers and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents should shoulder the responsibility for party activities. I have requested updates from them on the arrangements made to bring party workers to Delhi,” he added.

The joint appearance of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and K.C. Venugopal at an event in Mangaluru on Wednesday, followed by a luncheon meeting, has sparked considerable discussion among political circles in the state amid the ongoing leadership struggle within the Congress.