Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday firmly quashed speculations of a leadership change within the Congress party, asserting that he will complete his full five-year term.

Speaking to reporters at Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district before a cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister dismissed claims by opposition parties BJP and JD(S) as baseless and urged the media to verify facts before reporting. Addressing demands from some Congress MLAs for new leadership, Siddaramaiah said, “Yes, I will be the Chief Minister for the full five years. Why do you have doubts? It’s always BJP and JD(S) leaders like B.Y. Vijayendra and R. Ashoka making such statements, but they don’t matter.”

He emphasized the unity of the Congress government, stating, “Our government is rock solid. We will complete the five-year term.” Siddaramaiah explained that while every MLA in the ruling party aspires to become a minister, constitutional limits allow only 15% of the 142 Congress MLAs to be appointed, resulting in a cabinet of 34 members. He accused the BJP and JD(S) of “daydreaming” about destabilizing the Congress government, challenging their record in sectors like irrigation, public works, education, and health. “What did they achieve during their rule? Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was Chief Minister in a coalition government, and the BJP ruled for four years. They have nothing to show and are misleading people,” he said.

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Highlighting public support, Siddaramaiah pointed to a recent event in Hospet, where nearly three lakh people gathered to celebrate two years of Congress rule despite heavy rain. “Do people turn up in such numbers without reason?” he asked. On the issue of a survey for internal reservations among oppressed communities, Siddaramaiah addressed concerns about its implementation. “There are 101 sub-castes within Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. A door-to-door survey is ongoing, and an online option is available. In cities like Bengaluru, social stigma may prevent people from identifying their caste, which is why we’ve provided online provisions,” he explained.

The Chief Minister also noted that the special cabinet meeting at Nandi Hills focused on the Bengaluru Revenue Division, with similar meetings previously held for Belagavi and Mysuru divisions and a future one planned for Bijapur. 

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