Will continue as chief minister for five years: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday asserted that he would hold the office for a full five years.

The clarification came in the wake of speculation within a section of the ruling Congress about a change in leadership after two-and-half years of this government’s tenure.

“Who has made the confusing statement? If someone useless speaks, why do you give importance to it” Siddaramaiah told reporters here, when he was asked about repeated confusing statements from those within the party about CM change.

Asked to give clarity on whether he would head the government for a full five years, he said, “For five years our government will be there…I’m the chief minister, I will continue.” On the speculation about having three more deputy chief ministers, he said, “Who said? All this is decided by the high command. Congress is not a regional party, it’s a national party. Nothing can be decided without discussing with the high command. Neither me as the chief minister or MLAs can change the government. We have the high command; they will decide.” Ever since this government came to power, there have been claims and counter claims within the party about the chief minister being changed, saying Siddaramaiah may have to make way for Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D K Shivakumar after two-and-half years of this dispensation.