CM\'s close aide favors Parameshwar for CM post in Karnataka
Speculation: Congress in Karnataka Split Between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Factions
Bengaluru: Unfazed by warning from general secretary of All India Congress Committee Randeep Surjewala asking his party men not to speak in public on matters related to the party, Minister for Cooperation Rajanna on Friday stated that he favoured Minister for Home Dr G. Parameshwar to ascend to the post of Chief Minister after the incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Even a couple of months back, Rajanna had stated that it would be better to create 3 Deputy Chief Minister’s posts instead of one in Karnataka, an indication of his opposition to the lone Deputy Chief Minister post held by D.K. Shivakumar.
It is speculated that the Congress party in Karnataka is split into two with a faction identified with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and another with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Addressing a gathering at a function in Tumakuru along with Minister for Home Dr G. Parameshwar, Rajanna, a close confidante of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, said “I have expressed by heart felt feelings despite warning from AICC but I do not fear for such warnings. Now, that I made my feelings in public and make assertion that such statements would not be repeated.”
Both, Rajanna and Dr G. Parameshwar belong to Tumakuru district. Rajanna represents Madhugiri Assembly seat and Parameshwar represents Koratagere Assembly seat.
“If Parameshwar becomes Chief Minister it would be happy for all of us,” said Rajanna and stated that “Till Siddaramaiah continues as Chief Minister I would continue to support him.” Rajanna said anything can in future and had told Parameshwar once (on becoming Chief Minister) and added that “I believe in luck.”
The Minister for Cooperation AICC has refrained the leaders from commenting in public but had to share my feelings since it has been a long time that I shared dais with Parameshwar.
Reacting to the statement in public by Rajanna, Deputy Chief Minister and president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) D.K. Shivakumar said in Hubballi that notice will be served against those leaders who spoke in public violating party orders.