Parameshwara expresses ambition of becoming CM this year

Extending New Year’s greetings to the people of Karnataka, Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday expressed his ambition of becoming Chief Minister in 2026.

Speaking to reporters here, he said, “If the Congress high command takes a decision, I will get the political promotion,” apparently referring to the aspirations to become the Chief Minister.

“I am always optimistic in life. Don’t you have ambition in your life? When I joined politics, I had the ambition of becoming an MLA, later Minister and so on. Moving one step at a time,” Dr. Parameshwara said.

Referring to the current political developments in the State, he said, “You (media persons) are watching the political environment every day through camera lenses,” apparently indicating that the current political climate was not favourable to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar occupying the coveted post of the Chief Minister.

On Tuesday, the Home Minister said that the Congress high command had to decide on the leadership issue before the Budget preparation in February 2026.

Dr. Parameshwara, who was KPCC chief for a record eight years and also the Deputy Chief Minister, had earlier announced his candidacy for the Chief Minister’s post amid speculations of a change of leadership in the government. 

Mr. Shivakumar has been making all-out efforts to become the Chief Minister, hinting that there was a “secret pact” that would promote him to the Chief Minister’s post.

A section of Dalit leaders has been demanding that the high command appoint a person of their community as Chief Minister in case it replaces the incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.