Amid Buzz Over Siddaramaiah Losing Top Post, Aide's Remark Sparks Row

Senior Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy was replying to a query on Congress leaders staking claim for the Chief Minister's post.

In a setback to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his financial advisor and senior Congress MLA Basavaraj Rayareddy on Monday staked claim to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka.

Mr Rayareddy's remarks have stirred a controversy amid strong rumours of Siddaramaiah getting replaced doing the rounds in the state's political corridors.

Replying to a query on statements being made by Congress leaders staking claim for the Chief Minister's post, Mr Rayareddy told reporters, "Anyone could become the Chief Minister of the state. I am asking the media, why shouldn't I become the Chief Minister of Karnataka?"