Karnataka Minister G. Parameshwara Clarifies Delhi Trip Was Personal, Not Political

Bengaluru, Feb 20 (NationPress) - Emphasizing the personal nature of his recent trip to Delhi, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Thursday that he did not engage in any discussions related to state politics. However, insiders indicated that his visit may be linked to a broader strategy to replace Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as the Congress party's state president.

Sources revealed that influential leaders from marginalized communities have come together in opposition to D.K. Shivakumar, who is accused of obstructing their meetings.

Ministers Satish Jarkiholi and K.N. Rajanna had separately traveled to Delhi and publicly requested the party leadership to consider replacing Shivakumar. Parameshwara's visit is seen as part of ongoing efforts to elect a new state president for the party, according to reports.

Ministers Jarkiholi, Rajanna, and Parameshwara, all recognized Dalit leaders, have reportedly rallied in support of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while distancing themselves from D.K. Shivakumar, especially following the High Court's dismissal of a petition calling for a CBI investigation against him. Deputy CM Shivakumar is said to be aspiring for the CM position.

In a media interaction in Bengaluru, Parameshwara remarked, “To clarify, my visit to Delhi was purely for personal reasons and did not involve any political discussions. I did not attend the inauguration of the new AICC building; I merely wanted to visit the new office. Beyond that, I had no intention of meeting senior leaders.”

“I appreciate the media for interpreting my visit as they see fit. However, there has been no political development. I did not discuss any matters pertaining to state politics. There’s nothing to conceal. To me, politics is fundamentally about engaging with the community and media. If I had such an agenda, I would have shared it openly. I have never suggested changing the Chief Minister or replacing D.K. Shivakumar as the party's state president. This is for your understanding,” Parameshwara emphasized.

When inquired about discussions regarding organizing a convention for oppressed communities, he responded, “I did not discuss anything related to the convention of marginalized classes, nor did I engage in political conversations. My visit was meant as a courtesy call, and I only interacted with the National General Secretary (Organisation) who was present at the office. If I had a political agenda, I would have met with the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, senior leader Sonia Gandhi, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge. I want to make this clear.”

“There was not even an informal conversation about state politics. Although not everything is suitable for public sharing, in this instance, there were no political discussions whatsoever. There’s no need for secrecy,” he added.

“I will refrain from answering political inquiries, nor will I comment on them,” he stated when further pressed by journalists.

Addressing the delay in executing cash incentive guarantees, Parameshwara acknowledged, “The guarantees are being provided. I concede that there have been delays, but moving forward, the process will be more organized. We have implemented the guarantees.”

“Please avoid political questions. The media ought to adjust its focus and pose direct inquiries,” he reiterated in response to one question.

Regarding the BJP’s concerns about the clean chit provided to CM Siddaramaiah, Parameshwara asserted, “The High Court has determined that a CBI investigation into the MUDA case is unnecessary. The court has made it clear that it is illegal for two agencies to probe the same issue. Furthermore, if the Lokayukta has issued a clean chit, and the BJP questions this investigation, they must recognize that the report is based on evidence. If there were no evidence, how could the Lokayukta have reached a conclusion?”

“The BJP desires everything to align with its demands. I fail to comprehend what sort of politics this represents. If they seek a CBI inquiry, they should approach the court with a request. The Lokayukta operates independently, and the government does not meddle in its decisions,” Parameshwara concluded.