Parameshwara’s CM Bid: Game On for Karnataka’s Top Seat

Bengaluru:Amidst the ongoing lobbying for the position of Chief Minister in Karnataka, senior Congress leader G. Parameshwara has expressed his readiness to take on the responsibility if requested by the party’s high command.

As a former state Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister, Parameshwara stated that he doesn’t feel the need to actively lobby for the post, as the high command is well aware of his service and dedication to the party. He emphasized the importance of party discipline and his faith in the high command’s decision-making. Parameshwara mentioned that he has not explicitly rejected the role but rather awaits the high command’s directive.

The power struggle for the Chief Minister’s position primarily involves State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Both leaders are currently in Delhi to discuss government formation and the selection of the next CM with the party’s central leadership. The Congress party’s three central observers have already gathered feedback from the newly elected MLAs regarding their preferred candidate for Chief Minister, and a report has been submitted to party chief M. Mallikarjun Kharge.

Parameshwara acknowledged that the party contested the elections under collective leadership, with Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah playing prominent roles. He believes that while someone has to lead, the high command will ultimately make the decision, which he anticipates won’t be a difficult task. With the party winning a significant number of seats in the elections, Parameshwara emphasized the responsibility to deliver to the people.

Parameshwara, a Dalit leader and former Deputy Chief Minister during the Congress-JD(S) coalition government, holds the distinction of being the longest-serving KPCC (Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) chief, having served for eight years. He holds a PhD in plant physiology from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Agriculture Research Centre. After losing the 2013 assembly polls, he became an MLC (Member of Legislative Council) and a minister in the Siddaramaiah government.