Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday firmly dismissed speculation over a leadership change, stating unequivocally on the floor of the Legislative Assembly that there was no power-sharing arrangement within the Congress and that he was elected to serve a full five-year term.
Speaking during the winter session of the Assembly in Belagavi while participating in a discussion on North Karnataka’s development, Siddaramaiah said the Legislature Party had unanimously chosen him as Chief Minister and that no individual or group could dictate otherwise. He underlined that there was never any agreement for a two-and-a-half-year rotation of power.
The Chief Minister said he does not believe in political destiny or backroom arrangements and emphasised that he would continue in office as long as the Congress high command directs him to do so. He added that the party leadership stands firmly behind him, putting to rest ongoing rumours of an imminent leadership transition.
Without directly naming Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah made pointed remarks suggesting that leadership is earned through sustained political work rather than expectations based on promises. He said that despite age-related physical limitations, his political strength remains intact.
Meanwhile, D K Shivakumar has maintained a restrained public stance amid the internal debate. Over the past several weeks, he has avoided political statements and has been visiting temples across Karnataka, including prominent shrines in Gokarna and Uttara Kannada district, reflecting a cautious and measured approach.
The leadership debate within the Karnataka Congress has its roots in the post-election period of 2023, when reports of an internal understanding about a rotational chief ministership first emerged. While Siddaramaiah’s supporters have consistently opposed any change in leadership, Shivakumar’s backers have argued that commitments made at the time should be honoured.
The issue resurfaced recently after the completion of two and a half years of the present government, when Shivakumar’s brother and former MP D K Suresh publicly urged the party to uphold earlier assurances. Subsequent attempts by Shivakumar’s supporters to seek intervention from the central leadership yielded no immediate outcome, highlighting divisions within the party’s decision-making circles.
Senior Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and members of the Gandhi family, have been engaged in consultations, as the party balances social equations, regional representation, and electoral considerations ahead of future polls. Political observers note that any leadership decision could have wider implications for caste dynamics and party unity in Karnataka.
