Amid mounting speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday made it clear there is “no vacancy” for the top post, putting to rest reports suggesting a possible mid-term power shift to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Siddaramaiah firmly stated, “I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. D.K. Shivakumar has also said the same. There is no vacancy for the CM post.” His remarks come amid rumours that he may step down in November when the Congress government completes 2.5 years, allowing Shivakumar to take over as part of an alleged power-sharing deal.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, has ruled out any change in leadership, and that the party has not held any discussions on the matter. “Surjewala has clearly said leadership is not under discussion. When the high command says there’s no change, why does the media keep speculating?” he asked.
Dismissing talks of a rotational CM agreement, Siddaramaiah added, “If there had been a deal, I wouldn’t have said I’ll be CM for five years.”
The CM and his deputy are in Delhi discussing appointments to various state boards and filling vacancies in the Legislative Council, further triggering leadership talk. However, sources say the agenda is purely administrative.
Meanwhile, several cabinet ministers met AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru. Some called it a courtesy visit, while others hinted at political discussions. Despite this, ministers close to Siddaramaiah, including Satish Jarkiholi and H.C. Mahadevappa, reiterated that the leadership question has already been settled.
Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra also backed his father, stating that he would complete the full five-year term and that only the high command and MLAs have a say in leadership matters.
However, not all within the party seem content. Kunigal MLA Ranganath publicly voiced his desire to see Shivakumar become CM, praising his decades-long contribution to the Congress and his role in the party’s 2023 victory.
The BJP, quick to seize on the internal dynamics, mocked the Congress. Senior leader R. Ashoka said, “Today’s Congress is a courtroom of contenders. Siddaramaiah’s declaration only proves the real high command isn’t in Delhi—it’s in Bengaluru.”
The Congress had faced stiff internal competition for the CM post after its resounding win in the May 2023 elections. While Siddaramaiah emerged as CM, Shivakumar was placated with the Deputy CM post. With these new developments, the party now faces the challenge of containing simmering tensions while projecting unity ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
