Belagavi, Dec 11 (NationPress) In light of his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah's contentious remarks concerning the leadership dynamics and the Chief Minister's position, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, adopting a damage-control strategy, affirmed on Thursday that the high command's verdict on leadership matters is definitive.

Yathindra, who also serves as a Congress MLC, ignited controversy by asserting that the high command had dismissed any potential changes in leadership within the state. This prompted Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar to request clarification from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Yathindra, unperturbed, stood by his statements and asserted that he had shared all necessary information. Addressing media inquiries regarding his son's repeated comments on leadership, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared, “The high command's decision is final.”

In response to these developments, CM Siddaramaiah summoned his son Yathindra for a discussion at the Circuit House in Belagavi. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, both of whom are close allies of Siddaramaiah, were in attendance. Sources indicated that they deliberated on the controversy stemming from Yathindra’s statements and provided him with counsel.

Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan reacted to Yathindra’s remarks, stating that the MLC was voicing his personal opinion.

Meanwhile, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi insisted that Yathindra should address his statements and respond independently. He further added that comments made outside the House should not be conflated with the current discussions on North Karnataka in the Assembly.

It is worth noting that the leadership conflict in Karnataka has resurfaced, with Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterating that the high command has ruled out any leadership changes in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Thursday morning, Yathindra reacted to inquiries about potential leadership changes, stating, “There is no contention for the CM’s position. I have conveyed everything. Now, it is evident. The high command has explicitly stated that there will be no changes in leadership for the time being.”

In response, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked: “I believe the CM will respond on his behalf.”

The recent tensions ignited after Yathindra claimed on Monday that anyone speculating about a change in the Chief Minister’s position was merely “dreaming.” He emphasized that the Congress high command had already clarified that there would be no changes in the state's leadership.

Yathindra stated: “Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed his aspirations for the CM’s role. In reaction, the high command has indicated that this is not the right time and has made it clear that there will be no changes in the Chief Minister.”

He concluded: “The matter is resolved. Therefore, there is no ongoing tussle. Opposition parties are unnecessarily disseminating rumors and creating misleading narratives.”