K’taka Deputy CM Parameshwara says he tried for CM post but was overlooked thrice
Tumakuru (Karnataka): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has spoken about his leadership journey and his repeated disappointment over not being made Chief Minister on three occasions, including the recent formation of the Congress government when D.K. Shivakumar was considered for the top post, and he was assigned the Deputy Chief Minister’s role.
Parameshwara said on Monday that in 2013, he lost the Assembly election and believes that had he won, Siddaramaiah may not have become Chief Minister at that time. “Due to my loss, Siddaramaiah became CM,” he said.
It may be noted that there were strong allegations that Siddaramaiah ensured Parameshwara’s defeat in the Assembly elections to secure the Chief Minister’s post. However, Siddaramaiah has clarified that he had no role in Parameshwara’s defeat.
Parameshwara further noted that in 2018, despite the Congress winning a larger number of seats, the JD(S), which had only 30 MLAs, formed a coalition government, and H.D. Kumaraswamy went on to become Chief Minister due to political circumstances.
“I would have become Chief Minister, but for some unknown reasons, I was not made CM. This is the second time it was missed. This time, I made an attempt and was confident, but political decisions depend on several factors. Ultimately, I was given the post of Deputy Chief Minister,” he said.
He also revealed that he had at one point told the party high command that if he was not being considered for the Chief Minister’s post, he should be allowed to step aside, as he carries greater responsibilities.
Parameshwara said that political office comes with responsibility and discipline. “We cannot behave as we wish. The people are watching us. I always tell my colleagues that people observe us under a magnifying glass, and we must be careful,” he said.
According to sources, the Deputy Chief Minister became emotional and reportedly broke down in tears in front of close associates, expressing disappointment over being denied the Chief Minister’s post on three occasions.
Parameshwara made the remarks while interacting with staff at Siddhartha College, recalling his entry into politics. “Politics was never my plan. Everything happened by chance. When Rajiv Gandhi came as Prime Minister to our campus, I got an opportunity to meet him, and I eventually joined the party,” he reportedly said.
He added that he has completed nearly 40 years in politics and has held several key positions, including party president and Deputy Chief Minister, but has never been given the Chief Minister’s post.
His remarks have gained political significance amid reports that the Congress party is preparing to project D.K. Shivakumar as its Chief Ministerial face for the 2028 Assembly elections in Karnataka as part of its strategy to counter the BJP and JD(S) alliance.
Party sources say Parameshwara’s statement has created concern within the leadership, as he is a prominent Dalit leader, and any perceived sidelining could send a negative message to key voter groups.