Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara disclosed his ambition for the top political office on Thursday in Bengaluru, confirming former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had championed his candidacy. This statement comes as a recent video featuring Siddaramaiah, publicly claiming credit for securing Parameshwara's appointment as the lone Deputy CM, circulates widely.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara affirmed his acceptance of the Congress high command's decision to install D.K. Shivakumar as Chief Minister. He committed to strengthening Shivakumar's leadership and cooperating fully with the new administration. "Yes, it is true. I also wanted to become the CM," Parameshwara remarked, adding that his ambition would not create any issues. He further confirmed Siddaramaiah had indeed conveyed to the party leadership that he should be made Chief Minister. "Now that Shivakumar has been made CM, we all have to cooperate and work together," he reiterated, emphasizing the state government's mandate to implement all Congress programmes and fulfil its promises.
The political discourse intensified following Siddaramaiah's comments at a seminar on internal reservation on Tuesday, with a video of his remarks going viral by Wednesday. During an interaction focused on internal reservation and social justice, an audience member questioned the absence of a Scheduled Caste Chief Minister in Karnataka and urged Siddaramaiah to lead an agitation. While dismissing the idea of leading it alone, Siddaramaiah directly challenged the audience: "Who got the post of Deputy Chief Minister for G. Parameshwara?" The audience promptly responded, crediting Siddaramaiah. He then pressed further, asking who insisted on Parameshwara being the only Deputy Chief Minister, despite initial proposals for four to five such posts. Again, the audience attributed this decision to him, a moment met with applause. This public exchange now forms a significant talking point within Congress circles, suggesting a renewed political assertion from the former Chief Minister.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News