Siddaramaiah rejects CM change speculation after meeting Rahul Gandhi
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday dismissed media speculation about a possible change in the state’s leadership, reiterating that he will abide by the Congress high command’s decision.
Speaking to reporters after briefly meeting top Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the airport, Siddaramaiah said there was no confusion within the party regarding leadership issues. He clarified that he did not hold any political discussions with Rahul Gandhi during the meeting.
"No discussion has taken place today, and none is scheduled for the evening. He (Rahul Gandhi) is en route to Gudalur in Tamil Nadu and will return here later to fly back to Delhi. I will see him off again," Siddaramaiah said.
Responding to questions about media reports on a possible leadership change, the CM said, "What speculations? You (the media) are the ones speculating. There is no such issue within the party. This question itself is baseless."
Addressing rumours of confusion over a potential Cabinet reshuffle, he added, "Where is the confusion? These are discussions in newspapers and media; there is no such thing in the party."
Speculation over a leadership tussle has intensified since the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, fueled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar at the time of the government’s formation in 2023.
Commenting on reports that legislators were giving dates for a leadership change, Siddaramaiah said, "Either D K Shivakumar or I would speak on this issue, as we are the ones who know. Have we spoken? No. In fact, legislators are not discussing it now; it is you (the media) who are discussing it."
When asked about Shivakumar and his supporters referencing promises regarding power transfer, he said, "When was this said? They have not said anything; you are creating it. Ultimately, we will abide by whatever the high command decides."
On the issue of MLAs publicly commenting on his tenure, Siddaramaiah said, "MLAs don’t know the details. The high command has not informed them. The decision will be taken as per the high command."
Referring to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s earlier remark that local leaders should resolve leadership issues, the CM said, "Shivakumar and I have had discussions and even visited each other’s homes for breakfast. We agreed to abide by the high command’s decision."
Siddaramaiah added that he would not be going to New Delhi immediately to discuss the proposed Cabinet reshuffle with the Congress leadership.
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Mamata alleges BJP disrupted her Bhabanipur rally, Suvendu claims 'she's nervous'
Kolkata (PTI): Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee cut short her speech at a rally in her Bhabanipur constituency, alleging that the BJP was deliberately playing loud music from a nearby public meeting.
A peeved Banerjee said despite having the required permission of the Election Commission, her rally in Chakraberia was disrupted by the BJP, "who want to capture Bengal by intimidation and threat".
"It is not possible for me to go ahead with this meeting. If they can do such a thing in my constituency, imagine how undemocratic the BJP is. If they behave like this, I have to take legal action," she said.
"This is an insult, humiliation. BJP is stepping on our toes to instigate trouble. Not possible to address the gathering in this situation. I am leaving the stage. Please vote for me in your protest," she added.
Banerjee was then seen calling someone over and venting her grievances.
Before leaving the stage, she said, "I will hold a rally tomorrow at the same spot."
TMC supporters then rushed towards the BJP rally, which was later addressed by Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, but security personnel intervened and prevented the situation from escalating.
TMC workers later staged a demonstration outside the local police station and filed a complaint, alleging that the BJP violated the model code of conduct.
A senior TMC leader said another complaint will also be lodged with the Election Commission.
Asked about Banerjee's allegations, Adhikari told reporters after the rally he held nearby, "Her reaction shows she is nervous about the imminent loss."
"There was no violence, no obstruction in her meeting and her behaviour shows her nervousness. On May 4, people of Bhabanipur will celebrate the victory of the BJP," he claimed, alleging that the TMC also tried to disrupt his meeting by playing loud music.
South Kolkata's Bhabanipur, one of the battleground seats in the West Bengal elections, will vote in the second phase on April 29.
