Karnataka: Congress infighting intensifies amid cabinet rejig buzz; Parameshwara backs Muniyappa as chief minister

The ongoing leadership tussle in Karnataka Congress took a new turn on Monday with Home Minister G. Parameshwara backing his cabinet colleague K.H. Muniyappa to the post of chief minister.

 

Talking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said he would be happy if Muniyappa, whom he called an efficient leader, became the CM.

 

“Muniyappa has been elected as MP seven times from the Congress party. It is not easy to win seven times. He is a senior leader and a former Union Minister. He is efficient. If Muniyappa is made the chief minister, I will be happy,” the minister said.

 

Hailing from the dalit community, Muniyappa is the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs minister. Interestingly, Parameshwara’s remarks came days after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed that a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards.

 

“Since we belong to the same community, I will naturally be happy if our community gets an opportunity. The community that has long been suppressed and exploited -- if it comes to power, won’t we be happier? In this context, Muniyappa is efficient, and if he is made the chief minister, I will be happy,” Parameshwara said.

 

The talks of cabinet reshuffle have given rise to speculations of a leadership change, with many pointing out the reported agreement between Siddramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar, under which the latter would be made the chief minister after two and a half years.

 

The Congress high command has never publicly acknowledged such an arrangement as being in existence. Moreover, Siddaramaiah has stated on several occasions that he will complete his five-year term as the chief minister.

 

Shivakumar's camp, however, maintains that, as per the power-sharing agreement, Siddaramaiah is expected to step down next month, sparking rumours of a 'November Revolution' in the Congress party.

 

Siddaramaiah’s camp is, meanwhile, giving mixed signals. Recently, the CM’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah stirred a political furore by naming Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a possible successor to his father. 

 

However, both father and son were quick to clarify that the statement was meant only ideologically, and Siddaramaiah would continue as the CM for the full five-year term.

India