Days after a Vokkaliga seer advocated for DK Shivakumar to become the new chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah has said he would abide by the decision of the Congress high-command on the issue of leadership change.
Siddaramaiah was responding to a question about reports of a political tussle within the ruling Congress, which had fueled speculations of a potential leadership shift in the southern state.
“It is not a matter to be discussed in public. Whatever decision the high command takes, we will go by it,” Siddaramaiah told reporters when asked about the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt seer Chandrashekhara Swami's appeal.
On being asked about the seer’s demand, Siddaramaiah said, “I don’t want to comment on what Swamiji says. Ours is a national party. There is a high command.”
Meanwhile, amid reports of disagreement within the party, Shivakumar warned leaders not to issue public statements on the matter of leadership change and creation of multiple posts of deputy chief minister.
“If anyone crosses the limit, the party will take a decision,” Shivakumar said.
There have also been demands by some ministers perceived to be close to Siddaramaiah to create more posts of deputy chief minister and give them to leaders from Lingayat, SC, ST, and minority communities.
Shivakumar, a member of the Vokkaliga community, is currently the only deputy chief minister in the Siddaramaiah government.
When the assembly election results were declared in May last year, there was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post.
The Congress persuaded DK Shivakumar to accept the role of deputy chief minister, allowing Siddaramaiah to assume the top post again.
There were some reports at the time that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational chief minister formula," according to which Shivakumar will become CM after two-and-half years. However, they have not been officially confirmed by the party.
(With inputs from PTI)
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