Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 11: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday firmly dismissed speculation about a change in leadership, asserting, “I will remain the chief minister for all five years.”

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Siddaramaiah said that the party high command, AICC general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, and deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar have already clarified the matter and that there has been no internal discussion on power-sharing.

“Talks about leadership change are only in the media. There is no such agreement or discussion within the party. Even during this visit to Delhi, there has been no discussion on sharing of power,” he added.

On appointments to various boards and corporations in the state, Siddaramaiah informed that discussions were held with Surjewala and Shivakumar on naming Congress workers to key posts. “However, the process has not yet been completed. Surjewala will visit Bengaluru again on July 16, and on that day, we will finalise all appointments,” he said.