No rift in Congress, leadership decision lies with high command: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao asserted that there are no differences within the Congress and that all leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, are working unitedly under the guidance of the party high command.

Addressing press persons in Kalaburagi city on February 8, Mr. Rao said any decision on leadership change rests entirely with the high command and there is no confusion on the issue.

Reacting to remarks by Yathindra Siddaramaiah, MLC, on Mr. Siddaramaiah completing a full five-year term as Chief Minister, Mr. Rao said he is not aware of the specific statement but reiterated that the party has no internal dissent and that leadership decisions will be taken collectively by the high command, with the consent of both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

On the revision of metro rail fares, the Minister said the Chief Minister had written to the Union government seeking intervention and clarified that fare regulation did not fall under the State’s jurisdiction but is the responsibility of the Centre.

He accused BJP leaders, including Tejasvi Surya, MP, of making misleading statements to blame the State government. The Centre itself had stalled the fare revision, he said, adding that BJP MPs are exerting pressure on the Centre to hike the metro rail fare while publicly criticising the State government.

Referring to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) elections, Mr. Rao said the State government had decided to use ballot papers. He criticised the State Election Commission for not issuing a clear stand and creating unnecessary confusion.

The Minister said several nations across the world continue to use ballot papers, and the decision was taken to ensure transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

Asked whether Mr. Shivakumar had the political fortune to become Chief Minister, Mr. Rao declined to speculate, stating he is not in a position to comment on such matters and that leadership decisions are for the party to decide.