R Ashoka
Credit: PTI File Photo
Bengaluru: Notwithstanding Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assertion that he would complete the full five-year term, Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R Ashoka on Wednesday indicated that there will be a change of guard in the state in October or November.
Ashoka's comments come amid speculation about leadership change in the ruling Congress in the state.
The LoP said the Congress party is a divided house and the Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is sending signals to seize power.
“The replacement of the Chief Minister is definite in October or November. The Congress party is like a house with three doors, with all MLAs aspiring to be CM,” the BJP leader said at a press conference here.
He wanted the Congress high command to clarify whether Siddaramaiah would remain the Chief Minister.
According to the opposition leader, Siddaramaiah’s repeated assertion that he would complete his five-year term was out of fear of losing his position.
“Shivakumar is sending signals to seize power. I challenge him to declare that Siddaramaiah will remain CM until 2028. We (BJP) would accept it as a ‘sixth guarantee’ and stay silent,” Ashoka said.
He claimed that the state government lacked funds, MLAs are frustrated, and the public has lost confidence in it.
Ashoka termed the High Court assigning the CBI to probe the Valmiki Corporation scam case a victory for the BJP’s fight.