Kalaburagi, 21 Dec

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday said that the confusion over the leadership issue in Karnataka exists only at the local level and not within the party High Command.

Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Kharge said, "The High Command hasn't created any confusion. It exists at the local level."

"How is it right to put the blame on the high command?" he asked. His comments come amid an alleged power struggle between Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Kharge added the local leaders should take ownership of the internal disputes rather than blaming the High Command.

The Congress veteran also cautioned against claiming credit for the party's electoral success. "Everyone has built the party. It's not any individual's effort. Congress has been built by party workers. Congress workers supported us," he said without naming anyone.

Several of Shivakumar’s loyalists had highlighted the KPCC President’s contribution to the party, claiming that he should be rewarded for his work and made the Chief Minister. Home Minister G Parameshwara, who had also served as the KPCC president earlier and also threw his hat into the race had also highlighted his contributions to the party. 

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha urged party workers to stop boasting about personal contributions and recognise the collective effort of the cadre.

Asked about Shivakumar heading to Delhi to meet the Party High Command, Kharge added, "I don't have information on the matter."

Earlier Siddaramaiah had in the Assembly expressed confidence that the party leadership supported him to complete his full five-year term.