Bengaluru

Amid heightened speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday signalled business as usual, saying he would travel to Delhi only if the party high command summons him.

“If the high command calls, I will go to Delhi,” he told reporters, amid internal rumblings as the Congress government completes half of its five-year term on November 20.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge earlier indicated that the issue surrounding the CM post would be discussed collectively by the high command in the presence of Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.

Despite speculation, Siddaramaiah avoided any reference to the CM post during his press conference in Bengaluru and instead announced a major ₹1,033-crore relief package for farmers affected by excessive rainfall across the state.

According to the Chief Minister, crops have been damaged across 14 lakh hectares, with severe losses reported in districts including Kalaburagi and Yadgir. A Central team is expected to visit the state following the government’s request for assistance.

Under the relief package:

• ₹25,500 per hectare will be paid for irrigated land
• ₹31,000 per hectare for multi-crop land
• 14,24,124 farmers are expected to benefit

Kharge reiterated that any decision on the CM issue will be a collective one, saying, “I will call everyone and have a discussion… Rahul Gandhi and other members will also be present. The decision will be made after consulting all.”

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Karnataka minister HK Patil expressed readiness to attend any meeting called by the party leadership, adding, “Wherever the high command calls, we will have to go.”