NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday hinted at a possible leadership change in the Karnataka government, saying that the "party high command has got the power" to take action.
On the question of growing speculation over a possible change of chief minister in October, Kharge said, "See, that is in the hands of the high command. Nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command."
"High command has got power to take further actions. But unnecessarily, one should not create problems," he added.
Meanwhile, chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed rumours of discord between him and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, saying the government "will remain intact for five years like a rock."
"What do you think, will I inaugurate Dussehra? DK Shivakumar and I are together, and this government will remain intact for five years like a rock. BJP is known for lies; that's what they do. Sriramulu lost elections and made statements. We are intact and we don't care for any comments from them," Siddaramaiah said.
“We both are on good terms, no matter who says what,” he added.
The two also joined hands to pose in front of the cameras.
This comes a day after Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain renewed speculation about a major political development in Karnataka after claiming that DK Shivakumar can get the chief minister post within the next two or three months.
"You all know what our (Congress's) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar's) strategy and programmes are history now," Hussain said.
"I don't believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity," he added.
He claimed that the big decision will be made within two to three months, when asked if Shivakumar will get the position this year.
"Yes, I'm saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months," Hussain said.
"That's what I'm saying. I'm not beating around the bush; I’m speaking directly," he added.
However, when asked about Siddaramaiah's son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah brushing off the leadership change as mere speculation, Hussain said that the Congress high command had decided on government formation after the 2023 assembly polls.
"We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too—we'll have to wait and watch," he said.
Earlier, cooperation minister KN Rajanna also hinted at "revolutionary" political developments after September.
On the question of growing speculation over a possible change of chief minister in October, Kharge said, "See, that is in the hands of the high command. Nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command."
"High command has got power to take further actions. But unnecessarily, one should not create problems," he added.
Meanwhile, chief minister Siddaramaiah dismissed rumours of discord between him and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, saying the government "will remain intact for five years like a rock."
"What do you think, will I inaugurate Dussehra? DK Shivakumar and I are together, and this government will remain intact for five years like a rock. BJP is known for lies; that's what they do. Sriramulu lost elections and made statements. We are intact and we don't care for any comments from them," Siddaramaiah said.
“We both are on good terms, no matter who says what,” he added.
The two also joined hands to pose in front of the cameras.
This comes a day after Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain renewed speculation about a major political development in Karnataka after claiming that DK Shivakumar can get the chief minister post within the next two or three months.
"You all know what our (Congress's) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar's) strategy and programmes are history now," Hussain said.
"I don't believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity," he added.
He claimed that the big decision will be made within two to three months, when asked if Shivakumar will get the position this year.
"Yes, I'm saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months," Hussain said.
"That's what I'm saying. I'm not beating around the bush; I’m speaking directly," he added.
However, when asked about Siddaramaiah's son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah brushing off the leadership change as mere speculation, Hussain said that the Congress high command had decided on government formation after the 2023 assembly polls.
"We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too—we'll have to wait and watch," he said.
Earlier, cooperation minister KN Rajanna also hinted at "revolutionary" political developments after September.
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