Is the Chief Ministership in Karnataka Vacant? Siddaramaiah Responds to Media Speculation

Bengaluru, July 10 (NationPress) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized on Thursday that the discussions surrounding a leadership shift in Karnataka are purely a media fabrication and lack any substantive foundation. "Both Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and I have reiterated that the CM's post is not vacant, I am the CM," Siddaramaiah asserted.

During a press conference at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, he addressed inquiries from reporters concerning a potential transfer of the Chief Minister’s position.

He clarified that the objective behind Karnataka Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala’s meeting with MLAs in the state was unrelated to any leadership transition.

Given that the state Congress in-charge has dismissed the notion of changing the Chief Minister, there should be no room for speculation on this matter. The Chief Minister noted that the conjecture is entirely driven by the media, with no discussions occurring within Congress.

Siddaramaiah further stated that the party's high command has clearly directed both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister to adhere to its decisions, and both leaders have consistently shown their readiness to comply.

With the government having completed two-and-a-half years in office, he mentioned that discussions on power-sharing are natural, yet there is no agreement regarding the transfer of power.

He questioned why such unfounded reports are circulating in the media even after he recently confirmed his intention to serve a full five-year term as Chief Minister. He also highlighted that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar himself has affirmed that the CM post is not vacant.

In response to allegations that some Congress MLAs have voiced opinions about changing the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah clarified that such comments are personal and do not reflect the party’s stance. He emphasized that the speculation regarding a power transfer is unfounded.

When asked about a potential meeting with Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, he stated that there is no such possibility. However, he mentioned that he would meet Randeep Singh Surjewala on Thursday evening to discuss the appointments of MLCs and heads of state-run Boards and Corporations.

"We have reiterated – both I and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar – that the Chief Minister's post is not vacant. I am the Chief Minister," Siddaramaiah stated. He added that there is nothing wrong in D.K. Shivakumar or any MLA aspiring for the Chief Minister position.

Siddaramaiah also clarified that there have been no discussions regarding a Cabinet reshuffle.

Regarding the High Court's decision to stay an order for closing a Jan Aushadhi (generic drug) center at a government hospital, the CM stated he would acquire the necessary information and respond appropriately.

In response to a remark by Rambhapuri Seer suggesting that people are becoming lazy due to guarantee schemes, Siddaramaiah indicated he was unaware of the context behind the seer’s statement.

He explained, "Karnataka has a population of 7 crore, with about 3.5 crore women. If they can travel for free, it saves them money and enhances their purchasing power. Similarly, under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme, women receive Rs 2,000 monthly, which they utilize for their children's education."

Siddaramaiah added, "Dr. B.R. Ambedkar mentioned that true independence is meaningful when every individual is economically and socially empowered. His insights on eradicating caste through economic empowerment and social equality are essential. He warned that democracy cannot thrive amidst inequality and called for the abolition of caste and class systems to foster an egalitarian society. The government implemented the guarantee schemes after extensive deliberation, believing they would enhance the conditions of the underprivileged."

Responding to former CM and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s assertion that the Mekedatu dam project is only feasible if the JD(S) regains power, Siddaramaiah pointed out that during the Lok Sabha election campaign, Kumaraswamy claimed the project would be executed immediately upon their return to power. "Why has he changed his position now?" he queried.