‘Chief Ministership is for high command to decide’: Home Minister G Parameshwara

BENGALURU: Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday 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 on their own. 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 ongoing power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, with the Chief Ministership emerging as a contentious issue after the government reached its halfway mark. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara are seen as key figures in the unfolding political churn.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka: On preparations for New Year celebrations, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara says, “This time, we planned well. We deployed quite a lot of police personnel, nearly 20,000. I myself went and sat in the command centre, seeing and giving… https://t.co/nZmqqinRG5 pic.twitter.com/jHr3S8C1AB

— ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2026

Earlier, Parameshwara extended New Year 2026 greetings to the people of Karnataka on behalf of himself and the state police department. “I pray to the Almighty to grant everyone a successful life, particularly the younger generation. As Home Minister, I will strive to ensure that Karnataka remains peaceful, maintains law and order, and serves as an example for other states”, he said.

Reviewing security arrangements for New Year celebrations, particularly in Bengaluru, the Home Minister said the task was challenging but well-planned. “We deployed nearly 20,000 police personnel. I personally sat in the command centre, monitored the situation and issued instructions wherever large gatherings were reported. I am very happy that the celebrations were peaceful and people welcomed the New Year safely,” he said.

On administrative matters, Parameshwara said the state government had cleared long-pending promotions in the police department. “We have completed more than 30 promotions, including officers moving from SP to DIG and from DIG to IG ranks”, he noted.

The Home Minister also welcomed the Centre’s decision to allocate Rs 352 crore for police modernisation, calling it a significant development. “We have been requesting the Government of India for modernisation funds for a long time, and for the first time, we have received around Rs 350 crore”, he said.

Senior police officials met Parameshwara at his residence in Bengaluru earlier in the day to review law and order and security preparedness. (ANI)