The political atmosphere in Karnataka is currently buzzing with activity. Speculation about a change in chief minister is steadily gaining momentum in the state. Amidst this, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has made a significant statement, clearly stating that the final decision to change the Chief Minister rests solely with the party high command.
Karnataka Politics: Discussions about a leadership change are once again intensifying in Karnataka politics. The question of whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's position is in jeopardy is creating a stir in political circles. Against this backdrop of speculation, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement has emerged, where he unequivocally stated that the decision to change the Chief Minister will be made only by the party high command and that there is no need for anyone to unnecessarily heat up the political climate.
Following Kharge's statement, some relief is being felt within the Congress camp, but the opposition remains consistently aggressive. BJP leaders have claimed that Siddaramaiah will not remain Chief Minister until this year's Dussehra, while on the other hand, Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar have taken charge, sending a message of unity.
Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Show Unity
In a conversation with journalists in Mysore, Siddaramaiah, holding Shivakumar's hand, said, "Our government will remain as b as a rock for five years, and we will work together." We do not care about the lies being spread by the opposition. Siddaramaiah made it clear that there is no internal conflict within the government and that stability in power will be maintained. He dismissed the statements of BJP leaders, saying that these are all conspiracies to mislead the public.
Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also echoed Siddaramaiah, stating that the government is stable and no rumors can break their unity.
Surjewala's Visit Fuels Speculation
The recent visit of Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala has further fueled these political discussions. Surjewala is meeting with party MLAs in the state to review organizational strength. State Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that Surjewala's visit may be in connection with preparations for the upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat elections, but the discussions of a leadership change cannot be ruled out.
Parameshwara acknowledged that if there are differences among party leaders at any level, then the intervention of the high command is natural. However, he said that he would be meeting with Surjewala personally and that this meeting would be private.
Opposition's Attack, Government's Counterattack
Senior BJP leader R. Ashok launched a sharp attack, saying that Siddaramaiah would not inaugurate Dussehra because his position would be gone by then. In response, Siddaramaiah said that the BJP is only good at spreading rumors; they have no say in our work. Similarly, BJP leader Sriramulu also attacked the government, saying that the Congress government could fall at any time due to internal strife. Siddaramaiah also dismissed this, saying that no conspiracy by the BJP could shake the government.
It is believed that the Congress high command is keeping an eye on the ongoing tug-of-war within the state. However, Kharge has indicated that if any major changes are to occur, the decision will be made only by the party leadership, and currently, the government is stable. Political analysts believe that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have b support bases and that the high command will not make any hasty decisions. But Surjewala's visit has made it clear that the high command is deliberating on the leadership equations.
