Bengaluru: In a major political development amid intense speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, senior Congress leader and nine-time MLA R.V. Deshpande on Wednesday stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already decided to step down from the post and honour the commitment allegedly made to the Congress high command.
The statement has assumed significance amid political activity and speculation surrounding a possible change of guard in the state.
Speaking to reporters after meeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, Deshpande said that Siddaramaiah had indicated his intention to resign and had informed legislators about his decision.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already decided to tender his resignation. I think he may resign tomorrow. He told the MLAs to remain calm and continue. Siddaramaiah said that he had given his word to the high command and that he must honour that commitment,” Deshpande stated.
He further revealed that he had personally advised Siddaramaiah to continue as Chief Minister, but the latter maintained that he was bound by his assurance to the party leadership.
“I did not give him any suggestions beyond expressing my opinion that he should continue as Chief Minister. However, he told me that he had already committed to the high command. He conveyed that he would tender his resignation because he must stand by his word,” Deshpande said.
Meanwhile, Rambhapuri seer Jagadguru Prasanna Renuka Veera Someshwara Shivacharya also made a statement that added to the ongoing speculation surrounding Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s possible elevation.
“When we visited Ramanagara district and D.K. Shivakumar came there, we had predicted that he would become Chief Minister. It now appears that our words are coming true,” the seer stated.
At the same time, Congress ministers and MLAs belonging to the Muslim community reportedly held a meeting under the leadership of Housing and Waqf Minister Zameer Ahmad Khan to discuss the evolving political developments in the state.
Adding to the political activity, AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala arrived in Bengaluru from Delhi along with PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other senior Congress leaders.
Speaking to reporters after arriving in Bengaluru, Satish Jarkiholi, considered a close associate of Siddaramaiah, admitted there was confusion within the party but asserted that the Congress high command would resolve the issue.
“There is confusion within the party, and the high command will resolve it. After the breakfast meeting tomorrow, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself will speak about the issue and share all details regarding the discussions. Until then, I will not be able to make any comments,” Jarkiholi stated.
Meanwhile, sources said that several ministers and senior leaders close to Siddaramaiah had advised him not to resign immediately, but to seek a vote of confidence within the Congress Legislature Party to assess his support among party MLAs.
Despite mounting speculation and conflicting statements from party leaders, the Congress high command has yet to make an official announcement on a change in leadership in Karnataka.
(IANS)
