I have faith in my party: Karnataka Dy CM expresses confidence in his party's high command on leadership tussle

"I don't come from a political family, yet I have grown to this level. I am confident that the party would take a decision on me going forward," he said while speaking at the programme 'Udyami Vokkaliga Expo 2026.

"I had once told former Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa in the session about the secret to success. I told him that achieving success requires the dharma of Dharmaraya, the generosity of Karna, the focus of Arjuna, the strategy of Vidura, the strength of Bheema and the tactics of Krishna. I have taken many blows in politics."

He criticised Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, alleging that people in his own community were criticising him.

"You all prayed for me when I was jailed. I am aware that you are all praying for me and wishing me well. I believe that prayers will never go to waste, even if efforts do. People in our community are criticising me. They are stabbing from the front, and they are stabbing from the back. My conscience knows how honest I was when Kumaraswamy was the CM. Now, Kumaraswamy is accusing me of backstabbing him. I don't need any certificates, my conscience knows," he said.

"God doesn't give boon or curse, he only gives opportunities. We should make use of the opportunities when we get. Trust is the most important factor in life; always maintain it in your transactions and business. I have come here to express my solidarity with you. You are all hard-working people," he told the entrepreneurs from the Vokkaliga community.

"The name Vokkaliga is the biggest self-respect one can have. Young entrepreneurs from the community have gathered here. I wish all of them well going forward. Don't lend money to anyone; no one can be trusted. You have to be guarded always. I am giving you this advice based on my experience. Balagangadharanatha Swamiji used to say that blood and money must always be in circulation."

Earlier, on Saturday, Senior Karnataka Congress leader KN Rajanna said that any changes in the state government or within the party would be decided solely by the Congress high command.

Speaking in Bengaluru with ANI, "If at all any changes are expected in the government and the party in Karnataka, then the party high command will decide it." Whether or not I am in the Cabinet, I will always be a party worker. There is no power tussel (in Congress), unlike in the BJP."

His remarks come amid ongoing political discussions over possible reshuffles in the Karnataka government, with Congress leaders reiterating unity and discipline within the party ranks.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said that any decision on the state's Chief Ministership rests solely with the Congress high command, even as speculation and internal party dynamics continue to fuel debate over a possible leadership change.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified that he has neither formed any group nor issued instructions to supporters demanding that he be made the next Chief Minister. "There is no 'my team'. Some people, friends or well-wishers, may express their views independently. Even when I visit districts, some people say such things. It is their interest, but ultimately, the high command will make a decision," he said.

The Home Minister's remarks come amid an alleged power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with the Chief Ministership emerging as a contentious issue as the government reaches its halfway mark. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara are seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn. (ANI)