Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Defers Leadership Decision to Rahul Gandhi

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, should be the one to resolve the leadership crisis in the state. Speaking in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah affirmed his support for any decision made by Rahul Gandhi. He expressed frustration over media speculation on leadership changes, emphasizing that he had already addressed the issue in the Legislative Assembly. Siddaramaiah had previously declared in the House that he intends to complete his term. Responding to queries about Congress MLA K.N. Rajanna meeting Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah defended the meeting, highlighting Shivakumar’s role as the party president. Meanwhile, R. Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, criticized the Congress, highlighting conflicting statements from Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar regarding leadership. Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, mentioned that the high command had rejected Shivakumar’s request, confirming his father’s intention to serve the full term as CM. The BJP mocked the Congress leadership’s inability to resolve the situation. Deputy CM Shivakumar’s upcoming visit to Delhi is expected to escalate tensions within the Congress. Additionally, Siddaramaiah is likely to attend the Congress Working Committee meeting scheduled for Saturday.