Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru on Saturday, amid speculation over leadership changes in the state.
After the meeting, Siddaramaiah said discussions focused on party organisation, local body elections, and upcoming Zilla Panchayat and Taluk Panchayat polls. “There was no discussion about the cabinet. Change in leadership is just speculation; it is a media creation,” he said.
He added, “Let the MLAs go, but ultimately, whatever the high command says, we all have to accept it. Be it me or DK Shivakumar, everyone has to accept it.” On when the high command might take a decision, Siddaramaiah remained non-committal, saying, “Shortly whatever decision is taken, I will follow it.”
Sources from the Chief Minister’s Office said an intelligence report indicated that the ongoing political stalemate in Karnataka is damaging the image of both the government and the party.
Siddaramaiah reportedly explained in detail to the high command the impact of political volatility on governance.
In response, Kharge invited the Chief Minister to Delhi to discuss the situation further.
Siddaramaiah confirmed his commitment to the party and said he would visit Delhi whenever summoned, with officials suggesting he is likely to be in the national capital by the end of November.
Party insiders said that the high command is expected to take a decision on the current political scenario soon, in order to stabilise governance and consolidate the party ahead of upcoming local elections.
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