Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly dismissed rumours of a mid-term leadership change in the state, asserting that he will continue as Chief Minister for the entire five-year term. His remarks come amid ongoing speculation about internal friction within the ruling Congress and growing chatter about a potential power shift involving Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
“Yes, I will [remain Chief Minister]. Why do you have doubts?” Siddaramaiah told reporters on Tuesday, brushing off claims by the BJP and JD(S) that a change in leadership is imminent. “Are they the Congress high command?” he quipped, signalling that only the party’s central leadership has the authority to decide on such matters.
The Chief Minister’s response comes at a time when murmurs of discontent among certain party MLAs and perceived tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have gained traction. However, both leaders have sought to downplay any talk of rivalry.
In a parallel statement, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar also sought to quell speculation. “There is no discord or unhappiness among legislators,” he said, attributing the current discussions to efforts at assigning responsibilities and ensuring accountability among Congress MLAs. Shivakumar made it clear that he was not pursuing the top post.
“I haven’t told anyone to speak in my favour. It’s not needed. When there is a Chief Minister, there is no question of such statements,” Shivakumar said, distancing himself from any leadership ambitions. “What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. Whatever the party high command decides will be final.”
He also addressed recent statements made by some MLAs, such as Iqbal Hussain, suggesting that disciplinary action would be taken against those who speak out of turn. “I will issue notices to anyone who crosses the line,” Shivakumar warned.
Leadership questions within the Karnataka Congress have been simmering since the party’s resounding victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections, when it secured 135 out of 224 seats. While Shivakumar had a strong base of support and many of his followers expected him to be named Chief Minister, the party eventually chose Siddaramaiah due to his broader legislative backing. As a compromise, Shivakumar was made Deputy CM and retained his role as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President.
Despite the public show of unity, party insiders acknowledge that power-sharing dynamics remain sensitive. Some MLAs are reportedly unhappy with the slow pace of development work or lack of influence in decision-making, fueling rumours of unrest.
With these tensions bubbling beneath the surface, the Congress high command in Delhi is believed to be closely monitoring the situation. So far, the leadership has backed Siddaramaiah’s continuation as CM while maintaining Shivakumar’s dual roles to keep the party’s factions balanced.
For now, Siddaramaiah’s strong assertion signals an effort to bring stability and project unity within the Congress administration, even as political opponents continue to speculate about a power struggle.
The CM and his deputy both appear keen to project a unified front, especially with local body polls and the 2026 Assembly halfway mark on the horizon. However, whether this truce will hold in the long term remains a question only time—and internal party dynamics—will answer.
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