Political temperatures in Karnataka have risen once again after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly rejected speculation about a change in leadership midway through the government’s tenure. Addressing the issue directly, the Chief Minister said there was “no question” of a Chief Ministerial change and asserted that he would complete his full five-year term with the backing of the Congress high command.

For several months, Karnataka’s political circles have been rife with rumours suggesting a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. According to these claims, Siddaramaiah was expected to serve as Chief Minister for the first two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar would take over for the remaining term. However, Siddaramaiah has now categorically denied the existence of any such agreement.

Speaking on the final day of the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Belagavi, Siddaramaiah made his position unambiguous. “There is no agreement on two-and-a-half years. I never said anything like that. Until the party high command decides otherwise, I will continue as Chief Minister,” he said.

‘High Command Has the Final Say’

The Chief Minister emphasized that leadership decisions rest solely with the Congress high command. “That’s all I’ve said. I am the Chief Minister now, and unless the high command decides otherwise, I will remain so. We will complete our full term and come back to power in 2028,” Siddaramaiah stated, reinforcing his claim of stability within the government.

His remarks have reignited political debate, especially as Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had earlier alluded to discussions around leadership arrangements. However, Shivakumar has so far refrained from responding publicly to Siddaramaiah’s latest statement.

Meetings, Denials, and Political Signals

Supporters of DK Shivakumar maintain that an understanding on sharing the Chief Minister’s post was reached when the Congress formed the government in 2023. On the other hand, leaders aligned with Siddaramaiah have consistently dismissed these claims as baseless.

In recent months, several Congress MLAs believed to be close to Shivakumar have visited Delhi and met senior party leaders, adding fuel to the speculation. Party leadership has since held discussions with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in Karnataka to ease tensions.

The two leaders were also seen meeting twice over breakfast, which initially led to speculation that differences had been resolved. However, Shivakumar’s recent hint that he might step down as the state Congress president suggested underlying unease.

With Siddaramaiah’s strong assertion in Belagavi, it appears that the leadership debate is far from settled. His remarks have once again stirred political excitement in the state, indicating that the power struggle within the Karnataka Congress may continue to simmer in the days ahead.