No internal dispute in party, says CM

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday dismissed reports of internal rift within the ruling Congress and sought to downplay his cabinet colleague KN Rajanna's remarks indicating a possible leadership change in the state.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday dismissed reports of internal rift within the ruling Congress and sought to downplay his cabinet colleague KN Rajanna's remarks indicating a possible leadership change in the state.

It came a day after cooperation minister Rajanna said there will be a political development in the state after September and that there were many power centres in the Karnataka Congress.

"There is no internal dispute in the party. Minister Rajanna said that there may be developments in state politics. He did not say that such and such things will happen. It would be better to ignore his statement," Siddaramaiah told reporters at Vidhana Soudha.

When asked further about Rajanna's remarks, which were perceived as speculation of a possible leadership change, Siddaramaiah downplayed his colleague's statement, saying: "Did he say there will be a change in the chair?"

Rajanna, considered close to Siddaramaiah, on Thursday told reporters that the Congress in Karnataka now has "too many power centres" compared to the earlier party-led government during 2013-2018 when there was just one.

"During 2013-18 there was only one power centre. Now there are many, so there is more hustle and bustle. Keeping this in mind, he [Siddaramaiah] must manage the government and party as well," Rajanna said.

When asked whether Siddaramaiah might be replaced, Rajanna said, "It may or may not happen."

Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who has long been seen a strong contender for the CM's post, refrained from commenting on Rajanna's remarks.