Putting to rest days of speculation, the Congress high command on Tuesday ruled out any change of leadership in Karnataka, reaffirming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s position. Senior Congress leader and party Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala made it clear that no such proposal was even under discussion.
“There is no question of leadership change — let me say it again clearly,” Surjewala told reporters during a press briefing in Bengaluru, as he sought to end swirling rumors of a rift between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.
Surjewala, who is currently on a three-day tour of the state, said his meetings with MLAs and MPs were only meant to assess their performance in their constituencies and to monitor the implementation of the Congress government’s flagship guarantees.
“We are here to review how MLAs are delivering on the five guarantees promised to the people, like free bus travel for women,” he explained, adding that adequate funds had been provided to ensure development in every assembly segment.
Deputy CM Shivakumar, who shared the dais with Surjewala, reiterated the Congress leadership’s focus on unity and delivery of promises rather than power politics.
In recent days, reports of a tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had gathered steam on social media, prompting the high command to step in and clarify its stand.
