Is CM Siddaramaiah's Denial of OBC Panel Appointment a Sign of Leadership Change?

Bengaluru, July 7 (NationPress) While Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refuted allegations of being appointed by Congress as the Chairperson of the National OBC Advisory Committee, the BJP claims this action is indicative of an impending removal from his position.

This rumored 'appointment' is perceived as a strategy by the party's national leadership to instigate a shift in the state's governance, igniting a wave of political reactions.

The Karnataka BJP has labeled this maneuver as a tactic devised by the Congress high command to unseat Siddaramaiah from the Chief Ministerial role.

In response to these rumors, CM Siddaramaiah has firmly stated that the AICC merely requested him to host the inaugural meeting of the newly established committee in Bengaluru on July 15.

He categorically denied the claims regarding his role as Chairman of the OBC Committee, asserting that the information is misleading. “This is public misinformation,” he stressed.

Siddaramaiah clarified that the OBC Committee will be led by the current President of the Backward Classes Department, Dr. Anil Jaihind.

The event is anticipated to draw Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states, alongside MPs, MLAs, and candidates who were unsuccessful in recent elections.

BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra remarked on Monday that the instability within the ruling party is evident. He noted that AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala has been frequently visiting Bengaluru.

“It is evident that the ruling party’s MLAs have lost confidence in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. His own party legislators no longer trust him. He has also lost the public’s confidence,” Vijayendra asserted.

“We are closely observing the developments in Karnataka and how the process of removing Siddaramaiah unfolds. While I cannot predict his successor, one thing is certain: Surjewala's visits to the state are purposeful,” he added.

In reaction to the ongoing situation, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi indicated that Siddaramaiah’s supposed appointment as Chairperson of the AICC National OBC Advisory Committee suggests he might soon be asked to relinquish his position as CM.

Joshi stated that the Congress high command seems to be sending a veiled message to Siddaramaiah to step aside. “He has served for two and a half years in office. This development suggests a push toward national politics in Delhi,” Joshi commented.

Reinforcing his previous statements, BJP State President Vijayendra declared that CM Siddaramaiah is poised to resign shortly.

He emphasized that naming Siddaramaiah as head of the OBC Advisory Panel is a clear indication of his impending removal from the CM position.

“Congress in-charge for Karnataka, Randeep Surjewala, has already stated that he will consult party MLAs in Bengaluru. This is an explicit move towards securing Siddaramaiah’s resignation,” Vijayendra remarked.

“This appointment essentially directs Siddaramaiah to shift to Delhi,” he added.

Meanwhile, the ongoing power tussle between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar continues to unfold in the state.

Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain from Ramanagara claimed that Shivakumar is backed by 100 MLAs, highlighting the urgent need for a leadership transition.

Religious figures have also joined the discourse, showing support for both leaders. The notable Rambhapuri seer has proclaimed that D.K. Shivakumar should be appointed Chief Minister, while a faction of backward community seers has announced that around 30 pontiffs are endorsing CM Siddaramaiah, advocating for him to complete his term.