Bengaluru, 06 Nov (H.S.): Karnataka Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Friday ruled out any leadership change in the state, asserting that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would continue in office. He also urged former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to concentrate on strengthening the Congress and ensuring its victory in the 2028 Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said the Congress had already given Siddaramaiah two opportunities to serve as Chief Minister and that his experience should now be utilised to consolidate the party.

“The party has made him Chief Minister twice. What more can the party offer him? Siddaramaiah himself has said he will work for the Congress and ensure its victory in future elections, even without holding the Chief Minister’s post,” Jarkiholi said.

Considered a close associate of Siddaramaiah and a prominent leader of the AHINDA movement, Jarkiholi said the former Chief Minister had a responsibility to help Congress retain power in Karnataka.

Rejecting speculation about another leadership transition, the Minister dismissed opposition BJP claims that Karnataka could witness a third Chief Minister.

“There is no question of a third Chief Minister. D.K. Shivakumar will continue. There is neither a need nor a situation warranting leadership change,” he asserted.

Jarkiholi said Shivakumar had completed only six months in office and deserved sufficient time to deliver effective governance.

“The Chief Minister needs time to run the government successfully. We should give him that opportunity,” he said.

Referring to the forthcoming Hiriyur Assembly by-election, Jarkiholi said Congress leaders and workers would campaign unitedly to secure victory. Although he had not been assigned any specific responsibility, he would participate as a party worker.

Responding to Minister Balakrishna’s remarks suggesting that Rajanna should leave Congress, Jarkiholi said the Chief Minister and KPCC president would take an appropriate decision.

He also declined to attribute responsibility for the party’s defeat in the Legislative Council, saying the leadership would examine the matter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman