New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday dismissed speculation of a leadership change, denying that the issue was discussed with a high command.In Delhi, Sidaramaiah appeared blindly disappointed when asked about his meeting with Congress President Mallikrajun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi.“How many times I have to tell you? This (speculation around Karnataka CM Post) was not discussed. The issue was not brought with a high command,” Siddaramaiah said.His comments come in Karnataka amid fresh discussion about a possible leadership reshuffle. On Thursday, several prominent ministers of the State Cabinet met Kharge in Delhi, which made speculation that a change in the post of Chief Minister could happen later this year.According to reports, both Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivkumar were expecting a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. However, Rahul left the meeting and proceeded to Bhubaneswar to participate in various programs including a public rally.Fresh calls have come up within the party demanding to go to the top position at the height of Shivkumar. The leadership of the Congress publicly emphasized that there would be no change in the leadership of Karnataka.Two Congress MLAs have now given their support for Shivkumar. Senior leader and former minister Tanveer SAT said that the party should be open to the leadership change. Earlier, Shivkumar can be made the Chief Minister within two to three months by Congress MLA Ha Iqbal Hussain.The Congress High Command has tried to remove the rumors. Kharge recently clarified that no proposal for the reshuffle is under consideration and assured that the media would be informed if a decision was taken.Despite the official denial, an internal review continues to be mumbled. Some ministers are allegedly under investigation into complaints related to demonstrations and corruption, although there is no confirmation from the state government or party leadership.Connecting speculation, Shivkumar met Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at his residence in Delhi on Wednesday. While the meeting attracted attention, Shivkumar refused to disclose what was discussed.
