He remarked that the decision on whether to change the leadership rests with the Congress high command.
”The budget preparation will commence in February, which is about a month away. If the high command intends to make any decisions regarding this matter, they should do so beforehand,” Parameshwara responded to a query about the leadership issue.
While speaking to reporters, he emphasized, ”Someone must prepare the budget, right? The budget must reflect the commitments we have made to the people of the state. It will be accomplished.” Amid ongoing speculations about a leadership change, Siddaramaiah had confirmed last month that he would present his record 17th budget next year.
The Chief Minister, who also manages the finance portfolio, had unveiled his 16th budget in March. The budget for 2026-27 is expected to be presented in March of the coming year.
When asked about demonstrations in Delhi during the recent Congress Working Committee meeting advocating for Parameshwara to become CM, the Home Minister said, ”Those who suggest that I should be CM do so out of affection for me. How can I tell them to refrain from such expressions? It seems you want me to suggest that they stop saying that.”
Regarding reports of a delegation of Congress leaders meeting AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal in Delhi to push for Parameshwara to become CM if there’s a leadership change, he stated, ”The Congress high command has all the necessary information. They will gather insights from the general secretary and acquire information in their own manner.” ”They are aware of what needs to be decided and when. Whether or not to change the leadership will be up to them,” he added.
Parameshwara, who previously served as the state Congress chief, had mentioned last month that he is also vying for the CM position. There has been a call for a ”Dalit CM” within the Congress if leadership changes occur, with Parameshwara being a leading contender.
Speculations have emerged within party circles about Siddaramaiah’s faction likely favoring Parameshwara or other senior leaders for the CM role, should any modifications take place.
In response to Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain’s claim that there is a 200 percent chance for Deputy CM D K Shivakumar to become the chief minister on January 6 or 9, Parameshwara humorously remarked, ”Once Iqbal Hussain declares it, it is final. Whether I accept it or not is not the issue.” Amid the ongoing leadership discussions, Siddaramaiah had asserted on December 19 in the Assembly that he would continue in his position. He also stated that the Congress high command supported him and confirmed that no decision had been made regarding his tenure being limited to just two and a half years.
In response, Shivakumar mentioned that both he and CM Siddaramaiah had reached an agreement involving the Congress high command, and they would adhere to it.
