Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified on Tuesday that no fixed timeframe was ever assigned to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when he was elected Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader after the 2023 Assembly polls. Speaking amid intense speculation about a possible leadership change at the halfway mark next month—dubbed the “November revolution”—Parameshwara emphasized that the party high command holds sole authority over any decision.

Addressing reporters after meeting Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa, Parameshwara stated: “We were not told Siddaramaiah would be CM for only 2.5 years. If the high command decides otherwise, we will accept it.” He urged the central leadership to “put an end to the confusion”, noting that daily statements from party members were unhelpful. Both leaders, prominent Dalit figures in Congress, clarified their meeting was about cooperative funding in Tumakuru, not political strategy.

The speculation centers on a rumored power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. However, Siddaramaiah asserted on Monday that he would serve the full five-year term unless the high command decides otherwise. Parameshwara echoed that the original CLP election carried no tenure restrictions, and any change would be the high command’s prerogative.

Also Read: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Signals Possible 2028 Run, Awaits Congress High Command Decision

On demands for a Dalit Chief Minister if leadership shifts, Parameshwara said such aspirations were valid but premature: “If the situation arises, we will share our views with the high command.” He praised Congress as a “training school” for leaders and affirmed that capable candidates abound, but the final call rests with Delhi.

Both Parameshwara and Mahadevappa downplayed Siddaramaiah’s hint at contesting the 2028 polls, calling it a personal decision driven by public pressure. “There is no retirement in politics,” Mahadevappa said, reinforcing that the high command remains the ultimate arbiter in all matters of leadership continuity and cabinet reshuffles.

Also Read: BJP’s Ashoka Accuses Congress of ‘ATM Sarkar,’ Predicts Siddaramaiah’s November Exit