Karnataka Minister K N Rajanna urged Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to focus on leading Congress to victory in the next Assembly elections. He suggested Shivakumar aim for a full five-year term as Chief Minister instead of pursuing the post for the remaining two-and-a-half years of the current government.
Rajanna made these remarks following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s dinner with Dalit and ST leaders, sparking speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka. Speaking to reporters, Rajanna said the party high command decides the Chief Minister, and everyone must respect their decision.
“Let’s win the next Assembly polls under Shivakumar’s leadership,” Rajanna said. “After that, he can serve as Chief Minister for a full five years. Why fight for two-and-a-half years now?”
Rajanna, a known supporter of Siddaramaiah, also clarified that he would not contest elections again or seek a ministerial position in any future government.
The debate over Karnataka’s leadership began after the May 2023 elections. Reports suggested a possible “rotational chief minister” arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, though it was never officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, some Congress leaders have called for a Dalit or AHINDA leader to take over if Siddaramaiah steps down after the state budget. This could pose a challenge for Shivakumar’s chief ministerial ambitions.
Rajanna had earlier demanded the enforcement of the “one person, one post” policy and advocated for three additional Deputy Chief Ministers from Veerashaiva-Lingayat, SC/ST, and minority communities.
Reacting to corruption allegations by JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, Rajanna hit back. “Ask Kumaraswamy how much his percentage is. Is he a Satya Harishchandra?” Rajanna asked, adding that most political leaders spend heavily during elections, often borrowing funds to do so.
Rajanna said, “If we speak the truth about election expenses, it becomes an issue. The situation is such that some truths cannot be spoken openly.”
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