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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah dismissed Minister KN Rajanna’s comments on political shifts, denying any internal party dispute. Speculation about a cabinet reshuffle persists.
Siddaramaiah also said that the Centre should inform the people of the country about the timeline for conducting the census. (PTI Photo)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday brushed off comments made by Minister KN Rajanna hinting at possible political shifts in the state, stating that such statements are best ignored.
He clarified that Rajanna only mentioned there may be developments, not that anything specific would happen.
“There is no internal dispute in the party. Minister KN Rajanna has said that there may be developments in state politics. He said that he did not say that something like this would happen. It would be better to ignore his statement,” Siddaramaiah said while speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha.
This comes after Cooperation Minister Rajanna, a confidant of CM Siddaramaiah, said there are “too many power centres” within governing Congress in Karnataka and hinted at changes after September, sparking fresh speculation of a cabinet rejig and even a change of CM.
Speculation about a potential change in leadership has been circulating, fueled by reports suggesting Deputy CM DK Shivakumar might replace Siddaramaiah as CM. However, the party high command has reportedly asked its functionaries to refrain from commenting on the matter.
When asked about whether Siddaramaiah will be replaced, Rajanna said: “It may or may not happen.” On reports that Siddaramaiah doesn’t command the same authority over the administration as he did during his previous stint from 2013-18, Rajanna said, “From 2013-18, there was only one power centre. Now there are many, so there is more hustle and bustle. Keeping this in mind, he [Siddaramaiah] must manage the govt and party as well.”
Meanwhile, Minister Satish Jarkiholi expressed a more measured view, saying, “I don’t feel that way. I don’t see big changes, but there may be changes,” he said. On a cabinet reshuffle, he said, “There may be some changes, but not big changes.”
Rumours are also circulating about a potential shift in the Congress state president’s role, with DK Shivakumar’s position being speculated about. KN Rajanna claimed he is still in the running for the post and would be willing to step down as minister to take on the role if given the opportunity.
- Location :
Karnataka, India, India
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