Siddaramaiah says he, Shivakumar should abide by high command decision on leadership issue
Bengaluru (PTI): Expressing displeasure about repeated media queries on the leadership change issue in the state, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday asserted that he and his deputy D K Shivakumar should abide by the Congress high command's decision on the matter.
The CM also tried to play down reports about Congress legislators planning for a foreign tour, amid ongoing power tussle between him and Shivakumar for the CM post, stating that he was not aware of it, and that they may be going personally by spending their own money.
"Can't you (media) ask anything other than this (leadership change issue)? You don't ask anything else, only this. It has been three months since you began this. Please don't ask me this again," a visibly upset Siddaramaiah told reporters here.
The CM was reacting to a question by reporters on former Congress MP and Shivakumar's brother D K Suresh's statement, with reference to the informal power-sharing pact that -- he is "still hopeful that, though delayed, the CM will keep his word."
Siddaramaiah further said, "The high command is aware, they will decide. I will abide by their decision. How many times should I tell you (reporters) this?"
He said, "Whether me or Shivakumar, we should abide by the high command's decision. The matter is left for the high command to decide. You (media) repeatedly ask the same thing. Don't you have anything else to ask?"
When told by reporters they were only seeking his response to the statement made by Suresh, Siddaramaiah said, "Ask those who make the statement. Why do you ask me? I will abide by the high command's decision."
Shivakumar, ahead of leaving for New Delhi on Tuesday, said that he has "no confusion" over the leadership issue, as he and Siddaramaiah have discussed the matter in presence of the Congress high command.
The power struggle between Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah has once again come to the fore, with the latter's son and MLC Yathindra last week insisting that his father will complete his five year team, with the party high command having given signal in this regard.
The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025.
The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of the government formation in 2023.
To a question on some Congress legislators reportedly planning for a tour to Australia and New Zealand, the CM said, "If they go spending their own money, can we say no? MLAs and MLCs will be going on a foreign trip spending their own money."
Asked whether he is aware of the proposed foreign tour, he said, "No, I'm not aware of it."
To a query about the state budget, Siddaramaiah said, "I will announce the date after the festival (Shivaratri which is on February 15)."
Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, is holding a series of pre-budget meetings with various departments.
The 2026-27 Budget is likely to be presented in March, according to official sources. This would be Siddaramaiah's record 17th budget.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Min. Priyank Kharge to expresses concern over implementation of VB-G Ram G
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of the proposed VB-G Ram G scheme, stating that the MNREGA programme, which has been a lifeline for rural India for nearly two decades, appears to be facing an uncertain future.
Speaking to media, Kharge said that as March 31 draws to a close, there is no clarity on the rollout of the new scheme from April 1. He pointed out that the central government has not yet issued the necessary guidelines for implementing the scheme for rural workers and villages.
He criticised the Centre for its lack of preparedness, stating that there is no clarity on fund allocation, no final parameters for classifying gram panchayats, and key processes such as social audits have not been defined.
Kharge said the situation comes at a critical time, as summer marks a peak period for rural employment demand, when many people depend heavily on wage employment for their livelihood.
He added that reports have emerged of delays in approvals and families not receiving work despite demand.
He further alleged that the Centre’s move to shift from a statutory employment guarantee to a rule-based allocation system is already showing negative consequences.
Kharge also raised concerns over provisions such as a mandatory 60-day halt during agricultural seasons, which he said would further limit employment opportunities for rural workers.
The BJP-led central government had claimed that the new scheme would transform rural India, but in reality it is turning out to be detrimental to people’s livelihoods, he said.
“The crisis in rural India due to the stalling of MNREGA is beginning to unfold. Given the Centre’s past record in handling such situations, there is growing concern over the impact on rural livelihoods,” Kharge said.
