Hubballi/Bengaluru: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday hinted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah might be shifted to a national role by the Congress party, suggesting that his recent appointment as Chairman of the National Advisory Council for Backward Classes could be part of a larger political strategy.
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi said, “The Congress seems to be preparing the ground to relocate Siddaramaiah to Delhi. Appointing a sitting Chief Minister to such a position, which involves leading a panel of former CMs and prominent leaders, suggests he may be asked to vacate his current role soon.”
The Union Minister further remarked, “This move appears to be a signal that he may be replaced. Either he should continue as CM or take up responsibilities in Delhi — doing both is not feasible. It’s been over two years since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka, and Siddaramaiah’s shift may be imminent.”
Joshi took a swipe at Congress’s electoral standing, saying the party has lost relevance in key states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, surviving only by aligning with regional parties. He added, “In Bihar, Congress holds onto Lalu Prasad Yadav’s coattails. In Maharashtra, they went from attacking Shiv Sena to embracing a breakaway faction. In Tamil Nadu, they are entirely dependent on DMK. They are no longer a major political force in many states.”
On the ongoing leadership rift in Karnataka, Joshi remarked that Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar is actively positioning himself as the next CM. “Everyone in the Congress circle knows that D.K. Shivakumar is quietly preparing for the chief minister’s post after November. He’s using his tactics smartly while staying silent in public,” he claimed.
Responding to internal Congress conflicts, Joshi said, “The party is trying to scare regional allies and dominate smaller partners wherever they can. Their influence is such that even a small shop worker threatens to quit if his salary isn’t raised.”
Referring to Siddaramaiah’s recent statements and behavior, Joshi said, “The condition of a CM constantly asserting ‘I am the only CM’ is unfortunate for any state. No BJP or Congress CM in any other state behaves like this — only here do we see such insecurity.”
