Karnataka Home Minister Confirms No Time Limit Set for Siddaramaiah's Chief Ministerial Tenure

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified on Tuesday that when Siddaramaiah was elected as leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) following the 2023 Assembly elections to become Chief Minister, no specific timeframe was established for his tenure.

Parameshwara emphasized that all party members would respect whatever decision the high command makes, while urging Congress leadership to resolve the confusion surrounding this issue.

There has been persistent speculation about a potential change in the Chief Minister position as the Congress government approaches the halfway point of its five-year term next month—a development some refer to as the "November revolution."

Parameshwara's comments came after meeting with State Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa at the latter's residence. Both are prominent Dalit leaders within the ruling Congress party.

Addressing speculation about their meeting, both ministers clarified that it had "nothing to do with politics" but rather concerned funding for a cooperative in Tumakuru led by Parameshwara.

"After our party secured a majority in the May 2023 Assembly polls and formed the government, the CLP leader Siddaramaiah was elected during a meeting of all legislators. We were not informed then that Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for only 2.5 years," Parameshwara stated in response to questions.

He noted that the high command, when announcing Siddaramaiah as CLP leader, had not specified any time limitation for his leadership.

"We are unaware of any developments since then. From our perspective, we selected Siddaramaiah to serve as CM for five years. If the high command decides otherwise, we will accept it—that's all we can do. We did not establish any timeframe when selecting the CLP leader; if the high command makes another decision, that's their prerogative," he added.

On Monday, Siddaramaiah had stated that he would continue in office for the complete five-year term, subject to the Congress high command's decision.

Political circles in Karnataka, particularly within the ruling Congress, have been buzzing with speculation about a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

The Home Minister remarked that it was inappropriate for everyone to make daily statements regarding leadership change, reiterating that all party members would abide by the high command's decision.

"Siddaramaiah has also expressed that he will remain CM for five years with the high command's agreement. The high command must end this confusion. They are aware of the situation. If necessary, I will also request them to provide clarity," he added.

When questioned about demands for a Dalit Chief Minister in the event of leadership change, Parameshwara responded, "Is it wrong to make such a demand? If it is wrong, let us address it. People express their opinions."

In response to another question, he acknowledged that many capable leaders in Congress could potentially become CM, but the decision ultimately rests with the high command based on the situation.

"Our party has numerous capable individuals. Congress has produced many leaders for the country; some have even joined other parties and flourished there. In a way, our party serves as a training school. So, there are many qualified leaders. Whom to choose is the high command's decision, if such a situation arises. To my knowledge, such a situation does not currently exist," he explained.

Regarding Siddaramaiah's recent indication that he might contest the 2028 Assembly polls, Parameshwara commented, "That is his personal decision. He mentioned yesterday that some leaders are urging him to contest, and that he will decide later."

In an interview with a Kannada news channel, Siddaramaiah had revealed he was under pressure from "friends and well-wishers" to contest the 2028 election.

"I had previously announced I wouldn't contest in 2028. But my friends and well-wishers want me to. They believe my candidature will help the party return to power. I haven't made a serious decision about this yet," he said.

Later that day, Mahadevappa also reiterated that cabinet reshuffles or the continuation of the CM must be decided by the high command.

"Has the Chief Minister stated he will share power? He has said that with the high command's decision, he will serve as CM for five years. There's nothing wrong with that. The high command determines what happens—everything else is speculation, and one cannot respond to speculation," he stated.

When asked if Dalit leaders in Congress would seek an opportunity for a Dalit CM should the situation arise, Mahadevappa responded, "Such a situation doesn't currently exist. If it develops, the high command will consult everyone, and we will share our views then." He noted that the party has several Dalit leaders with administrative experience, and the final decision would rest with the high command.

Regarding Siddaramaiah not ruling out contesting the 2028 polls, Mahadevappa observed, "There is no retirement in politics. Those in public life should work for the people until the end."