Siddu's Assertion Changes the Course of State Politics

Politics in Karnataka will no longer be the same, although the change may not be apparent immediately.

- RAMU PATIL Assistant Resident Editor [e-mail]

Siddaramaiah's assertion on continuing as the Chief Minister for a full five-year tenure—more importantly, the manner and timing of such an assertion as well as his claim on leading the party in the next elections—could significantly alter the political equations in the ruling Congress.

By making that emphatic declaration in the national capital earlier this week, Siddaramaiah may have sought to end speculations over leadership change, which threatened to damage his image as a leader in full control of the administration and impact the governance in the state. But, at the same time, he also appears to have fired a salvo at his party's high command by sending a clear and direct message that there is nothing to discuss regarding a change in leadership.