Speculation on leadership change in Karnataka surfaces again
While Mr. Hussain, a close aide of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, indicated that Mr. Shivakumar could get the chance at becoming the Chief Minister in the next two to three months, Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, seen in the Chief Minister's inner circle, clarified that there was no confusion on the Chief Minister's position and that Mr. Siddaramaiah would complete the full term.
'I do not believe in rumours. We are confident that Mr. Shivakumar will get the opportunity (to become the Chief Minister),' Mr. Hussain told reporters in Ramanagara. When asked if Mr. Shivakumar would become the Chief Minister this year, he said: 'I am saying that the date given for a revolutionary political change (in September, by Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna) is the same. A decision would be arrived at in the next two to three months.'
When his attention was drawn to Mr. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra, a MLC, claiming that the change of leadership was only a speculation, the Ramanagara legislator said an agreement had been reached when the Chief Minister was chosen in 2023. 'Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge decided on it (Chief Minister's post). Everyone knows about it (rotation of tenure). We were all there in Delhi. At an appropriate time, the high command will take appropriate decision. We will have to wait and I am confident that he (Mr. Shivakumar) will be given the opportunity.'
Mr. Hussain's comment is being seen as response to Mr. Rajanna's statement on a revolutionary political change in September — possibly hinting at change of KPCC president — last week, and his remarks are being viewed as hitting back at the Chief Minister's camp.
In Mysuru, Dr. Mahadevappa claimed that there was no confusion over the post of the Chief Minister, and that Mr. Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the Dasara festival in September. He said Mr. Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister and the party will complete its full term. On Mr. Hussain's claim of an agreement to make Mr. Shivakumar as the Chief Minister in the coming months, Dr. Mahadevappa said he had no information about such an agreement and said the reports about such an agreement could only be speculative.
On the remarks of a possible revolution in three months, he said the MLAs themselves should be asked about their perception of revolution. 'Some legislators keep making statements as per their convenience. Revolutions will always be taking place to protect democracy and the Constitution,' he said.
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On the Private Member's Day, Congress MLA from Nahan, Ajay Solanki, listed Dr Parmar's contribution to the country and the state in the House. Supporting the resolution, industries and parliamentary affairs minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said, 'Parmar was a man who could leave his office and travel back in a public bus, dressed simply, living only on his salary.' Revenue and Horticulture, Jagat Singh Negi said that it was because of Parmar's vision that Himachal is known today for its roads, horticulture, agriculture and education. 'When we talk about development, we must remember his time as CM, when he would walk for hours to reach far-flung tribal areas without expecting anything in return, only to connect with the people.' Deputy chief minister Mukesh Agnihotri said, 'In one voice this resolution should be sent so that he gets the highest civilian award.' Education minister Rohit Thakur said, 'From institutions like the high court to HPU, many pillars of our present-day state were built during his era.' Former minister and MLA Sukhram Chaudhary said history is shaped not by events but by the work of great leaders like Parmar. Born on 4 August, 1906, in Sirmaur, YS Parmar was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. He has contributed a lot in bringing Himachal Pradesh into existence and laying the foundation of its development. He became the CM of Himachal from 1952 to 1956, MP in 1957 and the CM of Himachal for the second time from 1963 to 24 January, 1977.
