Has Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's Position Strengthened Amid Leadership Change Talks?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah's leadership is reportedly stronger than ever.
- Discussions on a leadership change are deemed unnecessary.
- A cabinet reshuffle is anticipated, but no date has been set.
- Visiting Chamarajanagar is not seen as detrimental by Siddaramaiah.
- The Congress party aims to fulfill its manifesto promises.
Chamarajanagar (Karnataka), Nov 20 (NationPress) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that his position has only become more robust, deeming discussions regarding a potential leadership change in Karnataka unnecessary. “There is no November revolution within the party,” he emphasized.
These comments were made during a media interaction in Chamarajanagar on Thursday. Notably, the topic of leadership change has arisen as the Congress-led government marks its two and a half years in office.
When questioned about Deputy CM Shivakumar’s brother D.K. Suresh’s statement that 'Siddaramaiah is responsible, he would keep his word' and that 'if fortunate, Shivakumar would become the CM', Siddaramaiah replied, “I will not comment on this. The people have given us a five-year mandate. Our focus will be on fulfilling the promises made in the Congress manifesto.”
Regarding concerns that his visit to Chamarajanagar, considered by some political leaders as unlucky, might jeopardize his position, Siddaramaiah stated, “Yes. Power will remain with me, and it is set to strengthen in the days ahead.”
When asked whether he would serve as CM for the entire five-year term, he questioned, “What does that mean? Discussions on this are unnecessary. I had advised the high command to wait until the government reached its halfway point before any cabinet reshuffle. These talks have surfaced as a result.”
On whether a date has been established for the cabinet reshuffle, he confirmed that none has been set yet. “AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge will speak to Rahul Gandhi regarding this,” he added.
“There is no confusion regarding the cabinet reshuffle; you (the media) are creating confusion. National leaders have indicated they will discuss the issue and inform me. There are two vacancies in the cabinet. The total should be 34. After the resignations of Nagendra and K.N. Rajanna, these two posts will be filled in the reshuffle,” he noted.
When asked if the party would contest the 2028 election under his leadership, he said, “Let the election come; we will see.”
“There is no revolution in the party in November. The media has fabricated this narrative. These discussions are unnecessary. The public has granted us a five-year mandate. Elections will occur again in five years — and we will reclaim power,” he reiterated.
Siddaramaiah further remarked, “Every time I have visited Chamarajanagar, my position has strengthened. Presently, my position is strong and poised to grow. I do not subscribe to superstitions. Whether I visit Chamarajanagar or any other district is irrelevant. I plan to visit all 31 districts of the state. Firstly, I do not believe in such superstitions. Secondly, those asserting that leaders lose power after visiting Chamarajanagar should recognize that my visits have only reinforced my position. Thirdly, the notion that leaders lose power after visiting Chamarajanagar is baseless. As I have mentioned, my power has not diminished; rather, it has become stronger.”
Amidst discussions of leadership changes and power sharing, former Congress MP D.K. Suresh, younger brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar, opined that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is responsible, and he will not retract his statements. The timing of Suresh’s comments is significant as the Congress-led government marks two and a half years in office. Political circles interpret Suresh’s remarks as a reminder to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about possibly relinquishing the CM post for Shivakumar, as per a purported power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to divide the term equally.