NEW DELHI: Amid reports of leadership reshuffle, Karnataka minister Satish Jarkiholi on Wednesday said chief minister Siddaramaiah has asked the Congress high command to take an early call on the question of leadership change in the state.Jarkiholi, who handles the public works portfolio, told reporters that he plans to seek an appointment with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the matter. He said the issue of succession must be settled by the party’s national leadership and revealed that Siddaramaiah too prefers a swift decision.According to Jarkiholi, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has openly expressed his desire to take over as chief minister since the beginning of the government’s term, though the party chose Siddaramaiah for the top job. He said the final call rests with the high command but added that the chief minister’s remarks make the situation more urgent.”When CM says it, then seniors in the party should take note of it,” he stated. However, he maintained that no internal discussions have taken place among MLAs on a possible leadership shift. “There is no discussion about leadership change in the party. Once it comes up then we will discuss but there is no discussion about it in the party right now,” Jarkiholi said. He also confirmed that he plans to meet Kharge soon to share his views. On speculation around Shivakumar’s active outreach, he remarked that the deputy chief minister has met several people both formally and informally, and added that he too had met him.Responding to home minister G Parameshwara’s claim that he should also be considered for chief ministership, Jarkiholi said Parameshwara had served as Pradesh Congress Committee chief for five years. “I had said in Belagavi that there is nothing wrong in making such claims. So he too is senior but who will decide finally? It happens in Delhi. All that we can do is just make a claim”.Jarkiholi also indicated that Siddaramaiah’s role would remain important even after any future transition. “We (Congress) will require CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership, his service and guidance even after his retirement from the active politics”.The leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar has intensified in recent months, with party sources claiming Shivakumar has been pushing to be named the next chief minister. According to insiders, he also held a one hour meeting with Jarkiholi at a private hotel.(With inputs form PTI)
