In a firm rebuttal to persistent speculation about a leadership change, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday declared he would continue in office for his full term, asserting that only the Congress high command could decide otherwise. The statement came during a heated session in the state legislative assembly in Bengaluru, where the Chief Minister faced repeated interruptions from BJP members.
"I Will Remain CM": A Defiant Stance Amid Political Noise
Siddaramaiah categorically brushed aside all talk of a switch at the helm, a subject often fueled by perceived tensions with his deputy, DK Shivakumar. Responding to taunts from the opposition during question hour, the Chief Minister delivered a clear message. "I am the CM at present, I will be CM in future, and I will remain in the position till our high command decides otherwise," he stated. He further expressed confidence that the people would bless the Congress again in the 2028 assembly elections, ensuring the party's continued governance.
From Fund Allocation to Political Sparring
The discussion originated from a question by Congress MLA HD Ranganath, who pointed out a disparity in funds for primary agriculture cooperative credit societies. He noted that while his Kunigal constituency received no funds, Madhugiri, represented by former cooperation minister KN Rajanna, secured Rs 100 crore. Siddaramaiah explained that the higher allocation to Madhugiri was due to its 26% SC-ST population compared to Kunigal's 8%, but promised to address any genuine imbalances. He also highlighted a reduction in NABARD's allocation to Karnataka from Rs 5,600 crore to Rs 3,415 crore.
The debate soon turned political when opposition leader R Ashoka raised the issue of an internal tussle for the chief minister's post. Siddaramaiah countered by accusing the BJP of never securing a true people's mandate in the state and forming governments through defections engineered by 'Operation Lotus'. "People have never blessed BJP, and they never will," the CM asserted.
High Command's Authority and a Mystical Retort
When BJP's S Suresh Kumar taunted the CM over a perceived shift in his language, comparing it to the mystical phrase 'naanu hodare hodenu' by saint-poet Kanaka Dasa, Siddaramaiah shot back. He clarified that his position was not ambiguous but rooted in party discipline. "Ours is a high command-led party, and we all have to abide by its decision. I will remain CM till the high command decides," he reiterated. To Ashoka's query on whether he was the CM "in the real sense," Siddaramaiah replied, "Listen. The people have blessed us for five years, and I will be CM for the full term."
The exchange was finally brought to a close by Home Minister G Parameshwara, who stated that no further clarification was needed as the Chief Minister had made his position unequivocally clear. The session underscored the ongoing political tensions in Karnataka while solidifying Siddaramaiah's public commitment to his five-year tenure.
