Amid speculation surrounding Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s alleged appointment as Chairperson of the Congress party’s National OBC Advisory Committee, Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar clarified the party’s position while highlighting Siddaramaiah’s stature as a prominent backward class leader. Speaking to the media in Delhi, Shivakumar stated,
“Siddaramaiah is an influential leader among the backward classes. The Congress party is harnessing his leadership and experience in this regard. On July 15, a national-level OBC committee meeting will be held in Bengaluru under his leadership.”
When asked whether any internal political meetings were underway, Shivakumar confirmed that a key meeting is scheduled for July 10, involving himself, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and AICC General Secretaries.
“The July 10 meeting will focus on party organisational matters, not leadership changes,” he clarified. On the question of Siddaramaiah’s alleged appointment as the OBC Committee Chairperson, Shivakumar refuted the claim but emphasized Siddaramaiah’s significance:
“He has not been officially appointed as the chairperson. However, he remains a nationally respected figure in OBC affairs. The upcoming meeting is being held under his guidance because of his immense contribution to the backward class movement.” Shivakumar also addressed recent political murmurs suggesting that some MLAs were voicing support for him as Chief Minister:
“The Chief Minister’s post is not vacant. This is not the appropriate time to talk about such matters.” Regarding the Anna Bhagya scheme and alleged issues in rice transportation due to lack of funds, he responded, “I currently do not have full details. I will collect the necessary information and respond accordingly.”
Meanwhile, the BJP has alleged that the Congress’s move to project Siddaramaiah at the national OBC level is a strategic step to sideline him from the Chief Minister’s post. Karnataka BJP leaders termed it a “ploy” by the Congress high command to ease Siddaramaiah out of power.
Despite CM Siddaramaiah publicly denying his appointment to the committee, the BJP’s reaction indicates growing political friction within Karnataka’s landscape, as the Congress seeks to strengthen its OBC outreach at the national level while managing leadership dynamics within the state.
