Belagavi, 19 Dec 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday firmly rejected speculation about a power-sharing arrangement in the state and asserted that he would serve his full five-year term, citing confidence in the Congress high command’s backing.

Responding to questions raised by BJP legislators during a discussion in the Assembly on development issues concerning North Karnataka, Siddaramaiah stated that he had never claimed his tenure would be limited to two and a half years.

“I am confident that the high command will allow me to complete five years’ term,” he said, replying to opposition queries on whether the government’s promises for the region would be fulfilled under his leadership.

Reiterating his position, the Chief Minister added, “I feel that the high command is on my side, but I will abide by the high command’s decision.”

When BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar questioned Siddaramaiah’s future as Chief Minister, he responded, “I am the Chief Minister. If the high command decides, I will be the Chief Minister in future as well.”

Addressing repeated references by the opposition to an alleged rotational chief minister agreement between himself and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah said, “I never said that I will be the Chief Minister for two-and-a-half years.”

Sunil Kumar insisted that clarity was needed on the leadership to ensure commitments made to North Karnataka were met, stating, “We want you to fulfil all the promises you made here for the North Karnataka region. You have to make it clear whether you will be the Chief Minister in future as well.”

To this, Siddaramaiah replied, “I will remain the Chief Minister in future as well.”

Taking a swipe at the BJP, he recalled that former Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had also promised a full term but was forced to step down. “We don’t have anyone to direct us. We are the producer, director and actor, whereas you have a director,” he said.

The remarks come amid speculation of a leadership change after the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its term last month.