Haveri, April 30 (IANS) Former Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Basavaraj Bommai on Thursday said that there is uncertainty over whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue in office after May 4, indicating the possibility of major political developments in the state.
Speaking to reporters in Haveri, Bommai referred to remarks by All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge and said, “Kharge has expressed his desire to become Chief Minister. After May 4, it is unclear whether Siddaramaiah will remain in the Chief Minister’s chair. We are also expecting some change.”
Responding to a question on the leadership change in the state, he reiterated that political developments are likely.
On exit polls for the Assembly elections in five states, Bommai said the Bharatiya Janata Party is expected to secure a two-thirds majority in Assam.
“The exit polls are in line with our expectations. In West Bengal, despite challenges and alleged intimidation by the Trinamool Congress, people are seeking change. Around 90 per cent voter turnout has been reported. The West Bengal results will serve as a direction for the country. The results of the five states will mark the Bharatiya Janata Party’s progress across India,” he said.
Criticising the state government over the recent rain-related incidents in Bengaluru, Bommai said, “It is unclear whether the Congress government in the state is functioning or not. No preparations were made despite weather warnings of heavy rain. For the people, this government is as good as non-functional,” he alleged.
He further said that through the upcoming “Abhimanotsava” (celebration) of senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, a message will be conveyed across the state.
“There is a wave of change in Karnataka. A major political shift is on the horizon. This programme will mark the Bharatiya Janata Party’s rise, and we expect around 10 lakh people to participate. It will be a record-breaking event,” he added.
It can be recalled that All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge, on Thursday morning, asserted that the Chief Minister of Karnataka will not change in the near future.
The comment came amid speculations and growing demands from senior Cabinet ministers for clarity on the issue.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Kharge said the question of replacing Siddaramaiah does not arise at present and that the Chief Minister will continue in office.
He added that any decision on leadership would require discussions among senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
“If there is any question of changing the Chief Minister, we will all sit together and discuss it. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and all of us will deliberate on the matter,” he said.
When asked about his own potential candidature for the Chief Minister’s post, Kharge dismissed the speculation, stating that such discussions are largely driven by the media. He reiterated that the party’s decisions are taken collectively by the top leadership and emphasised that Karnataka already has a Chief Minister in place.
Kharge stated: “Everyone says it, and the media reports it. The party’s top leadership and leaders from both sides say it would be good if I become the Chief Minister. However, rather than treating it as a matter of fate, we work according to our party’s ideology. Most of our decisions are taken by Sonia Gandhi. In any case, that question does not arise now, as Karnataka already has a Chief Minister in place.”
–IANS
mka/dan