Tumkur, May 18 -- Former Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna stoked fresh speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, saying Home Minister G Parameshwara should become Chief Minister if CM Siddaramaiah steps down.

Speaking in Tumkur after the state government's third-year achievement ceremony, Rajanna said, "We are saying that if Siddaramaiah wants a change, Parameshwara should become CM."

Rajanna recalled Parameshwara's tenure as Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President for eight years and said, "If he had won in 2013, he would have become CM. He didn't win then. The old dues are still pending."

In a pointed remark, he added, "Is it Siddaramaiah's house to give away? Is it property? Power is not anyone's property. It is not...