Mysuru, 13 Jan

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Rahul Gandhi in Mysuru on Tuesday and said there was no confusion within the party regarding leadership issues.

However, Siddaramaiah said that they did not discuss politics.

"No discussion has taken place today, and none is scheduled for the evening. He (Rahul Gandhi) is en route to Gudalur in Tamil Nadu and will return here later to fly back to Delhi. I will see him off again," Siddaramaiah said.

Responding to questions about media reports on a possible leadership change, the CM said, "What speculations? You (the media) are the ones speculating. There is no such issue within the party. This question itself is baseless."

Commenting on reports that legislators were giving dates for a leadership change, Siddaramaiah said, "Either DK Shivakumar or I would speak on this issue, as we are the ones who know. Have we spoken? No."

Siddaramaiah reiterated that the High Command’s decision was final in regards to any possible leadership change. MLAs have not been taken into confidence, he said.

Siddaramaiah added that he would not be going to New Delhi immediately to discuss the proposed Cabinet reshuffle.

Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP asked why Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar did not receive German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to the City.

Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly R Ashoka alleged that the Congress leaders instead chose to be in Mysuru to receive senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, saying they had “misplaced priorities”.

"Any other responsible Chief Minister would have personally ensured that such a visit was accorded the seriousness it deserved—as an opportunity for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth for Karnataka," Ashoka wrote on X.

Calling it more than just "poor optics", the BJP leader said the episode reflected a "deep disregard for the State’s interests."