Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday dismissed all rumours about a possible leadership change in the state government. He said that the Congress high command has made it clear that there is no plan to remove him from the CM post.
Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah said that Randeep Singh Surjewala, Congress national general secretary in charge of Karnataka, had already ruled out any discussion about a leadership change. “Surjewala has said it clearly — there is no talk about replacing the CM. Still, the media is spreading unnecessary speculation,” Siddaramaiah said.
He also said that any final decision will be made by the party high command and all leaders have accepted that. He added, “If there was any deal or agreement for power-sharing, I would not have said I will complete five years as CM.”
The Chief Minister also questioned the basis of the rumours. “I’m still the CM. So, how can there be talk of a replacement? If someone gives their personal opinion, does that become the party’s decision? Kharge and Rahul Gandhi should make such announcements, not others,” he said.
Siddaramaiah further said that Rahul Gandhi had not called him for any discussion about his position, but he was planning to meet Surjewala later that day.
When asked about a possible cabinet reshuffle, Siddaramaiah denied any such move. “There has been no discussion about changing cabinet ministers or the CM post,” he said. He also mentioned that Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had said the same thing — that there is no vacancy for the CM post.
Defending his government, Siddaramaiah said, “We are working for the people, especially the poor and backward sections. All government programmes are carefully planned and discussed.”
In short, Siddaramaiah made it clear that he will continue as CM and there are no plans for any leadership change or cabinet reshuffle.
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