With Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserting he will complete a full five-year term, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar—considered a key contender for the CM’s chair—said on Wednesday that he has no option but to stand by and support Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar stated, “What option do I have? I have to stand by him, support him. I don’t have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever it desires, it will be fulfilled.”
Asked if his supporters pushing for his elevation meant the Congress wasn’t backing him, Shivakumar said he wouldn’t discuss it, adding, “Lakhs of workers have supported this party. It is not only D K Shivakumar.”
Siddaramaiah, speaking in Chikkaballapura, firmly declared he would remain Chief Minister for the entire term, dismissing rumors of a mid-term leadership change. Speculation has swirled for months within political circles and the Congress about a “rotational CM formula,” under which Shivakumar would take over after two-and-a-half years—a deal never confirmed officially.
Shivakumar, who is also Karnataka Congress president, emphasized discipline, saying he never asked anyone to campaign for him to become CM. He warned leaders making public statements on the issue will face action, revealing he had issued a show-cause notice to Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain for repeatedly suggesting he should be the next CM.
Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala continued his third day of one-on-one meetings with MLAs to address potential friction. Shivakumar downplayed concerns, saying, “There is no disgruntlement in the party. Surjewala is fixing accountability and planning for future elections.”
Despite his reassurances, recent comments from party leaders have reignited speculation over a possible leadership change later this year, keeping Karnataka’s political circles on edge.
