The question of whether Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will succeed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister has once again sparked heated political discussion. The talks resurfaced after Congress MLA HD Ranganath, who is also Shivakumar’s relative, and former MP LR Shivarame Gowda claimed that Shivakumar would become the next CM and that the change of leadership could take place as early as November.

Shivakumar Calls Debate 'Harmful'

Reacting sharply, Shivakumar dismissed the speculation, urging party members to refrain from fueling such debates. He argued that these statements harm the Congress, calling them “anti-party activities.” He emphasized that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already declared he will serve the full five-year term, and that should end all speculation. Shivakumar also directed state Congress working president GC Chandrashekhar to issue a notice against those making public remarks on the leadership issue.

Siddaramaiah Firm on Completing Term

On his part, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed on Wednesday that he will continue as Chief Minister for the full five years. He added that both he and Shivakumar are loyal soldiers of the Congress and will abide by whatever the party high command decides. The CM insisted that there was no power-sharing agreement in place when the government was formed after the 2023 elections.

Ranganath and Gowda Praise Shivakumar

Despite the denials from both top leaders, MLA Ranganath said that he wished to see his mentor Shivakumar as the Chief Minister someday, praising his contribution to the Congress’s landslide victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Echoing this sentiment, former MP LR Shivarame Gowda asserted that Shivakumar’s political rise was inevitable, claiming “there is no doubt about his future.”

The fresh round of debate has once again highlighted the delicate balancing act within Karnataka Congress, with both factions stressing loyalty to the high command while grassroots leaders continue to lobby for change.