Siddaramaiah Rejects CM Change Buzz, Shivakumar Backs Him In Karnataka Govt's 'All's Well' Pitch
Pushing aside the speculations of leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday made it clear that he intends to serve the full five-year term in office.
'Yes, I will continue as Chief Minister. Why do you have doubts?" Siddaramaiah said amid claims that a possible change in the leadership might occur in Karnataka.
'Are they the Congress high command?" he asked, attacking the BJP and JD(S) for claiming that there is an internal rift in the Congress in the state.
Siddaramaiah's reaction came amid questions over the future of the Congress-led administration in Karnataka. It was claimed that the Chief Minister's deputy, DK Shivakumar, might replace him as the party is facing internal rift.
The Chief Minister had earlier as well trashed the buzz, stating that the Congress government will remain 'as solid as a rock" for the five-year term. 'This government will be as solid as a 'bande' (rock) for five years," the Chief Minister said, with Shivakumar on his side.
When the media had asked him about his ties with Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah held his deputy's hand to show unity and said, 'We are on good terms." Further responding to the speculations, he added, 'We don't listen to what others say."
Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, cleared the air over the ongoing guesswork and said that party discipline is of utmost importance and said that he has not asked anyone to make him the Chief Minister. He further warned that notices will be issued to leaders who make public statements on the leadership change in Karnataka.
Shivakumar distanced himself from speculation that he is seeking to replace Siddaramaiah, saying, 'What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don't have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled."
'When there is a Chief Minister, there is no question of such statements. Many have worked for the party; it's not just me. Lakhs of party workers have toiled for the party, let's first think of them," the Deputy Chief Minister said.
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