Parameshwara Says Congress High Command Likely to Settle Karnataka Leadership Row Within a Week
Home Minister expresses faith in party leadership as debate over CM post intensifies.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday said he is confident that the Congress high command will settle the ongoing leadership tussle in the state within a week. Speaking to PTI Videos, he said the party leadership is fully aware of the developments in Bengaluru and will take an appropriate decision.
Parameshwara, who is also seen as a possible contender if the party opts for a change of Chief Minister, praised both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He stressed that the Congress high command alone has the authority to decide on leadership matters.
He acknowledged that Shivakumar has a legitimate claim to the Chief Minister’s position and said there is nothing wrong with him expressing that aspiration. Any transition, he added, must be smooth and made with Siddaramaiah’s consent.
“If given an opportunity, with my experience and administrative skills, I will definitely serve the people of Karnataka well,” Parameshwara said, while insisting that he would not lobby for the post. “Whatever the high command decides is final.”
On Claims of a ‘Power-Sharing’ Deal
Parameshwara said he was not aware of any power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. During the Congress Legislative Party meeting held after last year’s Assembly elections, he said, there was no mention of rotating the Chief Minister’s post. “We thought the government would run the full five-year term under Siddaramaiah,” he said.
However, he noted that recent claims regarding a possible agreement between the two leaders must be examined by the high command. “If there is such an understanding, and if the high command acknowledges it, everyone will accept the decision,” he added.
‘Decision Must Be Smooth and Acceptable to All’
Parameshwara emphasised that any change of guard must be carried out carefully. He praised Siddaramaiah as a committed leader with strong support across Karnataka, especially among backward classes. “He is a tall leader and must be taken into confidence,” he said.
“In Congress, people may make statements outside, but once the high command decides, everyone falls in line. There may be murmurs for a few days, but they fade away,” he said.
On His Own Prospects
Asked about reports suggesting he might be positioned as a consensus candidate, Parameshwara dismissed such speculation. He said no discussions were held within the party about projecting him for the top post.
He added that Shivakumar, too, has every right to seek the position. “I’ve known him since 1989. He has strong qualities and expected to become CM after the 2023 polls, as is usually the case for PCC presidents,” he said.
‘Siddaramaiah Has Not Changed Ideologically’
Parameshwara said Siddaramaiah’s commitment to AHINDA — minorities, backward classes, and Dalits — remains unchanged. While age may have mellowed him, his ideological stance remains firm, he said.
He also praised Siddaramaiah for always respecting the party leadership. “He has never been rebellious. He has already said he will abide by whatever the high command decides. That shows his stature,” Parameshwara noted.
