Mysuru, June 30: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday firmly asserted that the Congress-led government in the state will serve its full five-year term, describing it as strong and unshakeable "like a rock."
Amid ongoing speculation about internal rifts between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, the Chief Minister presented a united front while speaking to reporters in Mysuru. In a show of solidarity, he held Shivakumar’s hand and said, “Our government will last for five years like a rock. We are united.”
Responding to questions about the visit of Congress General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, Siddaramaiah clarified that the purpose of the visit was purely organisational. “He is coming to strengthen the party. He will do his job,” he said.
When asked about a comment from Leader of Opposition R Ashoka—who claimed the CM would not inaugurate the upcoming Dussehra festival—Siddaramaiah dismissed the statement as baseless. “What do you think, won’t I inaugurate Dussehra? DK Shivakumar and I are working together. This government will stay intact for five years. The BJP only spreads lies. Sriramulu, who lost in the elections, keeps making baseless remarks. We don’t care about their comments,” he added.
Surjewala’s visit comes amid comments from State Minister KN Rajanna suggesting a possible organisational reshuffle in the Karnataka Congress.
Meanwhile, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that any decision regarding changes in the Chief Minister’s post rests solely with the party high command. “Only the high command can make that decision. No one else should speculate or create unnecessary issues,” Kharge said.
On Surjewala’s visit, Kharge added, “He is here to gather feedback from party legislators and understand the ground situation. Based on his assessment, the next steps will be considered.”
