Will Serve Full Five-Year Term, Says CM Siddaramaiah, Rejects Power-Sharing Talk
Belagavi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday confirmed that he will remain in office for the entire five-year term, expressing confidence in the support of the Congress high command.
During a debate in the assembly on issues related to the development of North Karnataka, Siddaramaiah said that he never mentioned that he was the Chief Minister for only two and a half years.
“I am confident that the high command will allow me to complete the five-year term,” he said in response to a question from opposition BJP MPs on whether the government’s promises for North Karnataka would be fulfilled during its tenure.
“I feel that the high command is on my side, but I will abide by the decision of the high command,” he reiterated.
When V Sunil Kumar of the BJP questioned his future, the Chief Minister said, “I am the Prime Minister. I will be the Prime Minister in the future too if the high command decides.”
When opposition members pressed for a “power sharing” agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to hold the top post on a rotation basis, he said: “I never said I would be the Chief Minister for two and a half years.”
Sunil Kumar said, “We want you to fulfill all the promises you have made here for the North Karnataka region. You must clearly state whether you will be the Chief Minister in the future as well.”
To this, Siddaramaiah replied: “I will remain the Prime Minister in future too.”
He also reminded the saffron party leaders that their powerful leader BS Yediyurappa had promised a full tenure but was forced to resign.
Taking a harsh swipe at the opposition, he said, “We have no one to guide us. We are the producer, director and actor, whereas you have the director.”
Siddaramaiah’s statements came amid speculation about a change of chief minister in the state after the Congress government reached half-way of its five-year term on November 20
The post highlights Siddaramaiah’s efforts to project stability and defend his position within the party.
