Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, March 31: In the latest development in Karnataka's Congress party leadership tussle, health minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday stated that there is no rule mandating a single person to hold the position of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president indefinitely.
Minister Rao addressed questions about the change in the state Congress leadership, currently held by deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar. He clarified that leadership changes are natural in any political party and that Shivakumar, despite his commendable efforts in organizing the party, will not be the permanent face of the KPCC.
Rao remarked, “There is no rule that only one person must continue as the KPCC president. Changes are a part of any political system, and the decision regarding the leadership change will be taken by the party high command. The high command will decide whether to retain Shivakumar or appoint a new president.”
The minister further emphasized that the Congress high command does not make hasty decisions and that this issue remains an internal matter for the party. "The KPCC president’s position is not a lifetime post," Rao added.
Minister for large and medium industries MB Patil, when asked about the issue, chose to stay neutral, stating that the final decision rests with the high command.
This comes after cooperation minister KN Rajanna and public works department minister Satish Jarkiholi publicly called for Shivakumar’s replacement, citing the promise made by the high command that Shivakumar would hold the position only until the Lok Sabha elections. Rajanna further added that he would consider resigning if the state President’s post is offered to him.
These political developments have gained more attention as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to travel to New Delhi soon. Meanwhile, the situation is further complicated by the recent political drama surrounding Rajanna, who claimed he was the target of a honey trap by political rivals.
Shivakumar, however, has vehemently denied any allegations and stated that he has full confidence in the police investigation.