Blurb
The statement has given rise to speculations about the ongoing power-sharing tussle for months
Bengaluru
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday asserted that he would act strictly in accordance with the directions of the Congress high command, a statement that has once again fuelled speculation around the power-sharing arrangement within the ruling party in Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah said he had communicated directly with the party leadership and would not speak further on the matter. “I did not speak behind anyone’s back. I spoke to the high command. I will not talk about it. I will act according to what the high command says. I will listen to what they say,” he remarked.
When asked whether he would travel to Delhi amid the ongoing discussions within the party, the Chief Minister said there was no need for him to do so unless he was specifically called. “Why should I go if I am not called? There is a budget meeting here. I will go if the high command calls me,” he said, indicating his focus on state responsibilities ahead of the budget.
Responding to questions on Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s absence from the pre-budget preparatory meetings, Siddaramaiah clarified that Shivakumar had obtained permission. “He has written a letter stating that he would be going to Delhi in connection with the Assam elections. He has informed that the meeting would be held in his absence,” the Chief Minister said.
Siddaramaiah also reacted sharply to criticism by former BJP MP Pratap Simha regarding alleged interference by Legislative Council member Yathindra Siddaramaiah. Dismissing the charge, he said the BJP itself had denied a ticket to Pratap Simha. “Let them first look at their own party,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah garlanded the statue of former Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah, located on the western side of Vidhana Soudha, as part of birth anniversary celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, he described Hanumanthaiah as an honest and courageous leader who made immense contributions to Karnataka.
He recalled that Hanumanthaiah played a key role in the unification of Karnataka and was instrumental in the construction of the iconic Vidhana Soudha. “He served the nation as Union Railway Minister and as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission. His life and ideals continue to inspire us,” Siddaramaiah said.
