MYSURU: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Monday asserted that the Congress government in the state will complete its full term despite speculation and internal murmurs of a leadership change.Addressing a press conference in Mysuru alongside his deputy DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah said, “Our government will last for 5 years like a rock.”His statement came after Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, arrived in the state to hold meetings with party legislators—an exercise widely interpreted as a move to assess the internal mood.The speculation over a possible leadership change gained traction following remarks by state cooperation minister KN Rajanna, who had earlier hinted at “revolutionary political developments” in Karnataka after September. However, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had dismissed these comments last week, calling them speculative and unfounded.“Minister KN Rajanna only said there may be political developments, but he did not say anything for certain. It is better to ignore his remarks,” Siddaramaiah had said at a recent public event. Shivakumar too had brushed it off, saying, “I am not aware of this. I will speak to him and let you know afterwards.”Despite their attempts to project unity, the party continues to face internal whispers. On Sunday, Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain subtly supported the idea of Shivakumar taking over as CM, stating: “DK Shivakumar can get the chief minister post within the next two or three months.”He further added, “Everyone knows who put in the struggle and strategy to bring Congress back to power. The high command is aware of it and will take an appropriate decision.”(With agency inputs)
