Karnataka CM Decision Lies With Congress High Command: Parameshwara
His remarks come amid reports of a power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with the Chief Ministership emerging as a contentious issue after the government reached its halfway mark
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that any decision regarding the state’s Chief Ministership rests solely with the Congress high command, amid ongoing speculation and internal party discussions over a possible leadership change.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified that he has neither formed any group nor directed supporters to demand that he be made the next Chief Minister. “There is no ‘my team’. Some people, friends or well-wishers, may express their views on their own. Even when I visit districts, some people say such things. It is their interest, but ultimately, the high command will make a decision,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports of a power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with the Chief Ministership emerging as a contentious issue after the government reached its halfway mark. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara are viewed as key figures in the current political churn.
Earlier, Parameshwara extended New Year 2026 greetings to the people of Karnataka on behalf of himself and the state police department. “I pray to the Almighty to grant everyone a successful life, particularly the younger generation. As Home Minister, I will strive to ensure that Karnataka remains peaceful, maintains law and order, and serves as an example for other states,” he said.
Reviewing security arrangements for New Year celebrations, especially in Bengaluru, the Home Minister said the task was challenging but well planned. “We deployed nearly 20,000 police personnel. I personally sat in the command centre, monitored the situation, and issued instructions wherever large gatherings were reported. I am very happy that the celebrations were peaceful and people welcomed the New Year safely,” he added.
On administrative matters, Parameshwara said the state government had cleared long-pending promotions in the police department. “We have completed more than 30 promotions, including officers moving from SP to DIG and from DIG to IG ranks,” he noted.
The Home Minister also welcomed the Centre’s decision to allocate Rs 352 crore for police modernisation, calling it a significant development. “We have been requesting the Government of India for modernisation funds for a long time, and for the first time, we have received around Rs 350 crore,” he said.
Earlier in the day, senior police officials met Parameshwara at his residence in Bengaluru to review law and order and security preparedness across the state.