Haveri (Karnataka), July 11: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai on Friday urged the Congress high command to clear the air on whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will complete his full five-year term, stating that the ongoing leadership drama would continue unless the party leadership offers a decisive statement.
“Even if Siddaramaiah says it a hundred times, doubts remain because the people who can actually confirm it — the high command — stay silent,” said Bommai at a press conference.
🔍 Leadership Row Continues
The political buzz over Siddaramaiah’s tenure intensified after his Delhi visit and meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, leading to renewed speculation about a possible leadership change, especially with Deputy CM DK Shivakumar reportedly eyeing the top post.
Bommai questioned the credibility of both CM and Deputy CM’s statements, insisting that the Congress leadership must give an official word to settle the matter once and for all.
“Who should give the final verdict? Not the CM or DCM, but the high command. No one is ready to believe just the two of them.”
💸 Criticism of Governance & Economy
Bommai also slammed the Karnataka Congress government over delayed salary payments to contractual employees, particularly in the Health Department.
“They get one month’s salary once every three or four months. The government doesn’t even have funds to pay salaries properly.”
🌾 Urea Shortage & Farmer Concerns
Highlighting agricultural challenges amid strong monsoon sowing, Bommai accused the Agriculture Department of poor planning and failure to meet the increased demand for urea fertiliser.
“Sowing is in full swing due to good rains, but the state is unable to supply adequate seeds and fertilisers. There’s a massive shortage of urea.”
🔁 Siddaramaiah Denies Leadership Change Rumours Again
Responding from Delhi, Siddaramaiah reiterated that no discussions on leadership change took place with the Congress top brass.
“How many times should I say it? This issue was never even discussed with the high command.”
🗝️ Key Takeaway
As internal Congress leadership tensions in Karnataka simmer and resource-related public grievances mount, the BJP is leveraging the uncertainty to question governance stability. The ball now lies in the Congress high command’s court to quell speculation and reaffirm its leadership position in the state.