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News India Live, Digital Desk: Karnataka Politics: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has started a new debate by giving a big statement on the internal speculations regarding the Chief Minister’s chair in Karnataka politics. He has made it clear that the final decision on whether he will complete his 5-year term or not will be taken by the Congress high command. His statement has come amidst the discussion on the ‘two and a half year formula’, under which Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivkumar is also being considered as a contender for the post of Chief Minister.
“I am a loyal soldier of the party”
During a press conference on Sunday, when journalists asked him whether he would remain the Chief Minister for the full five years, Siddaramaiah replied very candidly. He said, “Look, you should not ask me this question. This decision has to be taken by the high command. The Congress high command has made me the Chief Minister and I will follow their decision.”
He further said, “If the high command wants me to remain the Chief Minister, I will continue. If they want to bring someone else, I will accept that too. I am a loyal soldier of the party and for me the party’s decision is paramount.”
What was the formula of two and a half years?
Let us remind you that last year, when Congress formed the government in Karnataka with an overwhelming majority, Siddaramaiah and D.K. There was a tough competition between Shiv Kumar. Both the leaders were adamant on their claims. After several days of prolonged debate, the Congress high command resolved the matter by making Siddaramaiah the Chief Minister and Shivakumar the Deputy Chief Minister.
At that time, there was a strong discussion in the political circles that there was an undisclosed agreement between the two leaders to share the post of Chief Minister for two and a half years. However, the party never publicly accepted this formula.
D.K. Expectations of Shivakumar’s supporters
Siddaramaiah’s tenure is now moving towards completing one and a half years. In such a situation, D.K. Shivakumar’s supporters are hopeful that under the agreement he will now get the post of Chief Minister. Recently, Shivakumar’s brother and MP D.K. Suresh had also given the statement that “Shivkumar will become the Chief Minister when the time comes.”
This latest statement of Siddaramaiah has once again created a stir in Karnataka politics. Now all eyes are on the Congress high command to see whether it takes any decision on the change of leadership, or whether Siddaramaiah will complete his tenure as Chief Minister.