Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday firmly dismissed speculation of internal rifts in the Congress after Minister KN Rajanna hinted at possible political changes in the state. Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah clarified that Rajanna’s remarks were being misinterpreted.

“There is no internal dispute in the party. Minister KN Rajanna has said that there may be developments in state politics. He did not say anything will definitely happen. It would be better to ignore his statement,” he stated.

Earlier, Rajanna’s cryptic comments had triggered buzz about potential leadership changes, which Siddaramaiah has now categorically denied.

Separately, the Chief Minister, along with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, paid floral tributes to Nadaprabhu Kempegowda on his 516th birth anniversary. Garlanding Kempegowda’s statue near Vidhana Soudha, Siddaramaiah called him a visionary and the architect of modern Bengaluru.

“Kempegowda was an efficient and far-sighted administrator. The global recognition Bengaluru enjoys today is because he laid its foundation,” he said.

The celebrations were jointly organised by the state government, the Kempegowda Development Authority, and the BBMP. Siddaramaiah also highlighted that during his previous tenure (2013–2018), his government had worked with Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji to officially determine Kempegowda’s birth date, paving the way for the annual Jayanti celebrations.

“Kempegowda understood what Bangalore should look like. He planned and developed many areas such as Nagaratpet, Chikkapet, and Balepet. The government has made efforts to keep his legacy alive,” the Chief Minister added.