Bengaluru, Dec 11 (IANS) The leadership tussle in Karnataka resurfaced once again with Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterating that the high command has ruled out any change in leadership in the state.

The statement has gained significance as CM Siddaramaiah has maintained that he will abide by the high command’s decision regarding any leadership change.

The matter also took a serious turn after Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar sought a clarification from the CM on the issue.

Speaking to reporters in Belagavi on Thursday, Yathindra, reacting to questions on the possibility of a leadership change, said, “There is no tussle for the CM’s post. I have already told you. Now everything is clear. The high command has clearly said that, as of now, there will be no changes in leadership.”

Responding to this, Dy CM Shivakumar remarked, “I think the CM will reply for him.”

The development is seen as likely to further intensify the leadership debate within the party. It may be noted that Shivakumar is considered a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post.

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, a close associate of Siddaramaiah, said, “Siddaramaiah will act as per the instructions of the high command. No decision has been made regarding a leadership change. We will follow what the CM says. Whatever the CM and the high command say, we will abide by it.”

Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur said that Siddaramaiah has already stated he will abide by the high command’s decision and that Shivakumar too has said he will follow the party’s directions. “The high command will decide after taking the opinions of the MLAs,” he added.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, a staunch supporter of Dy CM Shivakumar, said, “If we talk about leadership, they issue a notice. Our high command is powerful, not weak. There is discipline in the Congress party. We are committed to that discipline. No one can override the high command.”

“If we speak, it becomes outrageous; if he (the CM’s son) speaks, it becomes magic. He should understand the circumstances before commenting. We should all know our positions,” he said.

The recent tensions began after Yathindra said on Monday that those predicting a change in the Chief Minister’s post were “dreaming”. He said the Congress high command had already made it clear that there would be no change in the state’s leadership.

Yathindra said, “Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said he is an aspirant for the CM’s post. In response, the high command has clarified that this is not the appropriate time and also made it clear that there will be no change in the Chief Minister.”

He added, “The matter ends there. Hence, there is no tussle anymore. Opposition parties are unnecessarily spreading rumours and creating perceptions.”

The infighting within the Congress in Karnataka widened after Yathindra Siddaramaiah reiterated that he stands by his controversial statement that the high command did not entertain Shivakumar’s claim to become Chief Minister and that his father would complete the full term.

Speaking to reporters at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, Yathindra had said, “I am committed to my words. I have conveyed whatever I had to convey. I will not react to those statements any further. There is nothing more to say now. I cannot keep responding to every reaction. Let anyone say whatever they want.”

–IANS

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