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Karnataka Congress Infighting: Parameshwara Denies Leadership Talks Amid Slogan Chaos

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has outright denied rumours that Congress leader KC Venugopal held discussions about a leadership change with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. He stated their meeting focused on social reformer Narayana Guru, not politics. Parameshwara also shrugged off the embarrassing pro-Shivakumar and pro-Siddaramaiah slogans as normal supporter behaviour. Meanwhile, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar explained his recent Delhi visit was for personal and party logistical reasons.

Key Points: Parameshwara Denies Venugopal Siddaramaiah Leadership Change Talks

  • State Home Minister G. Parameshwara firmly denies any political discussion occurred during Venugopal's visit
  • He defends supporters' slogans for DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah as natural party enthusiasm
  • Parameshwara suggests such internal meetings create more panic for the BJP than Congress
  • Deputy CM DK Shivakumar clarifies his Delhi trip was for a wedding and logistical planning
3 min read

K'taka Cong infighting: Parameshwara denies leadership change talks with KC Venugopal

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara denies KC Venugopal held leadership talks with CM Siddaramaiah, addresses pro-Shivakumar slogans.

"“I was seated beside the Chief Minister in the presence of K.C. Venugopal for two hours. We did not speak about politics at all.” - G. Parameshwara"

Bengaluru, Dec 4

Commenting on rumours that National General Secretary and Congress Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal held political discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his close associates during his visit to the state, state Home Minister G. Parameshwara denied that any such talks took place.

He also defended the pro-Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and pro-Siddaramaiah slogans raised in Venugopal's presence, which had left the party embarrassed.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Thursday, Parameshwara said, “I was seated beside the Chief Minister in the presence of K.C. Venugopal for two hours. We did not speak about politics at all. We discussed reformer Narayana Guru and his contributions.”

Responding to the slogans raised by supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar demanding that he be made CM, and the counter-slogans from Siddaramaiah’s followers insisting on “Siddu full-term CM”, Parameshwara said, “Can anyone stop party supporters if they raise slogans in favour of their leaders? Every leader has supporters. Naturally, they chant slogans demanding that their leader should become Chief Minister or a minister.”

“They do it all the time, and it cannot be termed as wrong,” he added.

Parameshwara further said, “If leaders dining together, travelling together, or being seen together creates panic in the BJP, then we will do it more.”

When asked if it was actually Congress leaders who were panicking more than the BJP, Parameshwara replied, “If a specific question is asked, I will respond.”

On comments from certain party leaders that if the Congress high command decides to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the post should be given to a Dalit leader, Parameshwara said, “I will respond if a particular leader has made such a statement. If the question is specific, I will answer.”

Asked about the Chief Minister’s meeting with the council of ministers, Parameshwara said he had not yet received an invitation and might get it during the cabinet meeting. “It is the Chief Minister’s discretion to convene meetings of cabinet ministers. Can we tell the CM how to act? It is not possible to control when and how he calls meetings.”

Meanwhile, after returning from Delhi on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed rumours surrounding his trip to meet the national leadership. Speaking at the Bengaluru Airport, he said, “I have already said that I had to attend a private marriage ceremony. Secondly, I have to take 300 people from all districts of Karnataka to Delhi on December 14. I have to make arrangements for their travel and stay. We are making railway bookings. Those wanting to travel by air will have to make their own arrangements.”

“I am also busy with matters related to the Assembly session. The respective ministers and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents should take responsibility for party work. I have sought a report from them on the arrangements made to bring party workers to Delhi,” he said.

The joint appearance of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and K.C. Venugopal at an event in Mangaluru on Wednesday, followed by a luncheon meeting, has become a major talking point in state political circles amid the ongoing leadership tussle within the Congress.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
It's so embarrassing for the party workers to be chanting slogans like this in front of a national leader. Shows complete lack of discipline. They should unite and work for Karnataka's development instead of this constant power struggle. 😒
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Vikram M
"We discussed reformer Narayana Guru" – seriously? That's the best explanation they could come up with? It's clear something is brewing. DK Shivakumar's Delhi trip explanation also sounds like a cover story. The BJP must be loving this infighting.
A
Anjali F
As a Kannadiga, I'm tired of this. We voted for development, not for this daily soap opera of who will be CM. Please, just do your jobs! The state has real issues – water, roads, employment. This political gossip helps no one.
D
David E
Observing from outside, this seems like a classic case of managing coalition dynamics within a single party. The power-sharing arrangement was always fragile. Parameshwara's non-answers are very telling – he's avoiding taking any side publicly.
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Priya S
The comment about Dalit leadership is interesting. If there is a change, it should be based on capability and work, not just identity. But Parameshwara deftly sidestepped that question. The high command has a tricky balance to maintain between regions and communities.

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