Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah said on Monday that the rumours about a leadership crisis in the Karnataka Congress were not based on internal disagreements. He stressed that the party’s central leadership had not given any instructions about changing the chief minister.
He clarified, “There is no battle or skirmish (in the state Congress unit). Since there is no confusion among us, I feel the media is into perception creation. The Congress high command has not given any directive about a change in leadership. If there is anything like that, then they will call and discuss it.”
No Directive From Congress High Command
Yathindra said Delhi had not raised the issue of leadership change. He added that only if the high command wanted to discuss it, both CM Siddaramaiah and deputy CM DK Shivakumar would be called to Delhi. He also said that some people had argued that Shivakumar should be elevated, but reminded that “he has said that he will listen to the party high command.” He urged the party to avoid confusion until the central leadership makes a clear announcement.
No Clarity on Alleged Power-Sharing Deal
Yathindra dismissed claims that there was an agreement to change the chief minister halfway through the term. He said no one knew whether such a deal was ever made. “No one knows whether any promise was made about leadership change after two and a half years. High command may or may not know about it. So, it is not proper to speculate about it,” he said.
Internal Preferences Should Stay Within Party
He said the media should not discuss which MLA supports which leader. “Which MLA is in whose favour should not be discussed before the media. It belongs to the internal domain of the party, which should be left to us,” he said.
CM Siddaramaiah Repeats Loyalty to Party
Reacting to his son’s remarks, chief minister Siddaramaiah again confirmed he would follow the party’s instructions. He said he would “abide by whatever the high command decides.”
Routine Meetings With Delhi Are Not Linked to Leadership Issue
Yathindra said that Delhi often calls the chief minister for regular discussions and that such meetings should not be misunderstood. He noted that Siddaramaiah would speak about “the prevailing situation in the state.” He repeated his belief that there is no talk of replacing the CM at present: “I have been saying this, which is not new. I feel that, as of now, there is nothing like leadership change. I hope that he (Siddaramaiah) will complete his five year term.”
Uncertainty Grew After Questions to Shivakumar
Yathindra said confusion increased after Shivakumar was asked if he wanted to be chief minister. He said ambition exists in all parties but noted the high command had clearly said it would not decide the issue now. He also pointed out that the Congress Legislative Party elects a leader for a fixed term. “The Congress high command has made it clear that there is no leadership change as of now,” he added.
Succession Talks Revived After Midterm Mark
The leadership debate resurfaced after the government completed half its five-year term on November 20. This revived talk of a possible 2023 “power sharing” understanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. To calm internal tensions, both leaders recently held breakfast meetings at each other’s homes, reportedly following instructions from the high command. Many within the party saw this as a move to show unity before the Belagavi legislature session.
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