Bengaluru: After a meeting with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that a leadership change is merely speculation, fueled by the media.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Mallikarjun Kharge at his Sadashivnagar residence on Saturday night, and the two leaders discussed for about an hour and a half. The lengthy meeting generated considerable curiosity amid the debate over power sharing.
After the meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that during the meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge, they discussed party organization, local body elections are coming, and the Taluk Panchayat elections, District Panchayat elections, and municipal elections in the GBA area were discussed. He stated that it was simply a friendly meeting.
There was no discussion about a cabinet reshuffle. There was only speculation about a leadership change. He said, “You’ve guessed that.” However, the Chief Minister did not provide any information about the transfer of power. When asked if he had asked Kharge about his meeting with some MLAs in Delhi, he said, “No, I haven’t asked him about it. I received this information from the Intelligence Department. I haven’t discussed it with Kharge. It was just a friendly meeting.”
When asked if he was frustrated, he said, “I’m not frustrated. I’ve never been frustrated. You’re asking me if I’m frustrated. There’s no question of me ever being frustrated. I’m not overly happy either.” Siddaramaiah clarified.
The High Command’s decision must be accepted
On the issue of Congress MLAs going to Delhi regarding the leadership change, he said, “Let them go to Delhi. Ultimately, whatever decision the High Command takes, everyone will have to accept it. All ministers will have to agree.” I have to agree, and DK Shivakumar has to agree. No proposal has been made to Mallikarjun Kharge regarding a leadership change.
Sources said that a number of issues were discussed in the meeting with Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge. These included the current fast-paced political developments, the cabinet reshuffle, and the transfer of power.
