Bengaluru: The Congress high command has sought to put to rest speculation over a change in leadership in Karnataka, with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge stating that there is no question of replacing the Chief Minister at present.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge acknowledged that there has been confusion and discussion around a possible leadership change but said the matter would settle soon. “Some people say I should become the CM, and the media also discusses it a lot. But in the Congress party, ideology and decades of service matter,” he said.
Backing the incumbent, Kharge said Siddaramaiah is doing a good job, and therefore there is currently no discussion about a change in the Chief Minister’s post.
He added that if any such situation arises in the future, a decision would be taken in consultation with senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. “It is a time-consuming process; we will see when the time comes,” he noted.
Clarifying the party’s stand, Kharge said the choice of Chief Minister is not based on individual ambition but will be decided in line with the party’s ideology and collective leadership.
