Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said that no one can become the Chief Minister without the support of the majority of party legislators and the blessings of the Congress high command.

Responding to a reporter’s question on Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s recent remarks to a regional news channel that the opinion of the high command is sufficient and not that of legislators, Siddaramaiah said, “I will not answer to these. High command is high command. Both the opinion of legislators and high command are important. Without the opinion of the legislators, no one can become the chief minister. Only with the majority. Of course, you need the blessings of the high command as well.”

His remarks come amid speculation of a leadership change and cabinet reshuffle as the Congress government in Karnataka approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, a period some within the party have dubbed the “November revolution.”

Many believe that Siddaramaiah continues to command the support of a large section of Congress MLAs. Party insiders note that this backing is significant, as several of his loyalists have previously maintained that the high command would ultimately have to heed the opinion of legislators before considering any change in leadership.

Siddaramaiah also brushed aside rumours linking his recent dinner meeting with cabinet colleagues to any political move. “The dinner party has nothing to do with the cabinet reshuffle. I host dinners quite often,” he said, adding that it was a routine get-together.

– Ends

Tune In