Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Thursday categorically rejected rumors of leadership change in the state, saying he was firmly in place and planned to complete his five-year term.
Replying to queries by journalists on speculation of a power transfer to his deputy, D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah replied, "Is there any vacancy for chief ministership? I am very much here before you. I am chief minister of Karnataka. That is what D K Shivakumar has said and I am saying it also. There is no vacancy."
His comments come in the midst of continuing rumors that he would resign later this year, with some groups within the Congress allegedly pushing for Shivakumar to take over as chief. But both leaders have repeatedly discounted any such understanding.
Scornfully dismissing the rumor, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed his determination to serve out the full term of the government, suggesting that the matter was not open for debate.
Today in New Delhi, the top Congress leaders, such as party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, are likely to be met by the chief minister during his visit.
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