Karnataka Home Minister G Parameswara Confirms Interest in Chief Minister Position Amid Leadership Change Speculation

Karnataka's home minister G Parameswara has indicated that he is also a contender for the Chief Minister position should there be a leadership change in the state. However, he has downplayed the apparent competition that has been generating speculation, noting that no one from the party's senior leadership has addressed the matter yet.

"I'm always in the race, it is not a big issue," Mr Parameshwara stated.

"I was the Pradesh Congress Committee President in 2013. We brought the Congress government to power (in 2013 Assembly polls). I never claimed credit for it solely. I lost in that poll. Had I won, what would have happened, I don't know," Parameshwara explained.

"I was in the race then, naturally, as there is a convention in the Congress party where the PCC president is often given a chance (to become Chief Minister), but it is not followed in some situations," he added when responding to reporters' questions.

As the Congress government approaches the 2.5-year mark of its term in the state, rumors have circulated about potential changes in leadership. The government will reach the halfway point of its five-year term in November.

These expectations emerged alongside reports of power rotation discussions during the formation of the Congress government, with Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar competing for leadership. The Congress party has denied any such arrangement exists.

Mr Parameshwara has now clarified that there have been no discussions on this matter among the party leadership, nor has it been addressed in the Congress Legislature Party.

He also mentioned that party president Mallikarjun Kharge would make any necessary decisions regarding leadership changes after consulting with senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently out of the country.