Siddaramaiah Pledges Loyalty to Congress High Command Amid Leadership Crisis

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that he will abide by the decision of the Congress high command regarding his leadership position. In a recent press conference, Siddaramaiah emphasized that any change in leadership will be determined by the party's central leadership. He also stressed that he is willing to continue as Chief Minister if the high command decides to retain him. The statement comes amidst growing pressure from a group of MLAs backing Siddaramaiah's rival, Shivakumar, who have been visiting New Delhi to meet with the Congress leadership. The MLAs, led by HC Balakrishna and KM Uday, have been seeking a mid-term transition and have met with AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Shivakumar, who has been backing the MLAs, has expressed his agreement with Siddaramaiah's statement, calling him an 'asset' for the Congress party. However, the internal debate within the party continues, with Home Minister G. Parameshwara and MLA Satish Jarkiholi expressing their own aspirations for the top post. Parameshwara, who has been a contender for the Chief Minister's position, has stated that he remains in the running and that any decision regarding leadership will be made by the high command. Jarkiholi, on the other hand, has argued that no single leader can claim ownership of the party's electoral success and has backed Parameshwara's claim to recognition. The Congress leadership is expected to meet soon to discuss the leadership crisis, with AICC President Kharge and Rahul Gandhi set to return to Delhi. The outcome of the meeting remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the Congress party is facing a leadership crisis that will require a collective decision from its high command.