Will Stay Karnataka CM for Full Term if Congress High Command Approves: Siddaramaiah
Karnataka CM reaffirms his tenure depends on Congress high command while addressing RSS leader’s hate speech case in Mangaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday dismissed speculation about a mid-term leadership change, affirming he would serve his full five-year term if the Congress high command approves. Speaking to reporters at Mangaluru Airport, he addressed murmurs of other leaders vying for his post, stating, “In a democracy, anyone can aspire to be Chief Minister, but the party high command makes the final call.” When pressed on completing his term, he reiterated, “It depends on the high command’s decision.”
The remarks come amid ongoing debates within Karnataka’s Congress unit, with some leaders reportedly eyeing the chief ministerial role after Siddaramaiah’s two-and-a-half years in office. His supporters, however, insist he will lead until 2028. Adding to the political buzz, Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, recently praised Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s leadership qualities, sparking speculation. Yathindra later clarified his comments referred to Jarkiholi’s appeal among the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) base, not the Chief Minister’s post.
On a separate issue, Siddaramaiah addressed an FIR against RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat for alleged hate speech. “Cases will be filed against anyone making provocative statements that divide society or disrupt peace,” he said, noting Bhat’s alleged disrespectful remarks about women. The Chief Minister emphasized a zero-tolerance stance on hate speech.
Regarding the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) probe into the Dharmasthala case, Siddaramaiah assured non-interference. “The Home Minister indicates the SIT may submit its report by month’s end. I won’t interfere in their work,” he said. The Chief Minister’s statements underscore his focus on governance and party unity amid Karnataka’s evolving political landscape.
