Bengaluru: Amid heightened political speculation and internal murmurs within the Congress party in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday firmly declared that he will remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term. Responding to growing chatter about a possible leadership change and demands from a section of the party to elevate Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to the top post, Siddaramaiah made his stance unambiguous: “I am the Chief Minister for five years. Why the doubt?”
This statement comes at a time when discussions of “revolution within Congress” and whispers of a change in leadership had gained momentum. The party had also seen heightened activity with AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala reportedly collecting opinions from MLAs over recent weeks.
While Siddaramaiah’s declaration may appear to calm the storm, it came right after DK Shivakumar himself sparked speculation by stating that he is committed to the party’s decision. “What option do I have? I stand by Siddaramaiah and support him. Whatever the high command decides, I will accept,” DK said, adding that those loyal to him must avoid raising discordant notes. He further advised his supporters not to speak out against party consensus.
Siddaramaiah’s statement, delivered with rare confidence, appears to have been aimed at silencing the repeated rumblings over power-sharing in the Congress camp. On a recent visit to Mysuru, DK had spoken of a strong five-year government led by the party, indicating unity—but Siddaramaiah’s latest remarks go a step further, locking his claim on the CM chair.
Interestingly, while DK supporters had reportedly lobbied the high command seeking his elevation, sources suggest that the party’s central leadership has now directed DK to diffuse any internal conflicts and stand by the current leadership till the next election.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders such as R Ashoka have seized upon the situation, claiming Siddaramaiah’s repeated emphasis on his tenure signals “an outgoing CM”. “Why does he keep saying ‘I’ll stay, I’ll stay’? It’s a sign of someone unsure,” Ashoka remarked, suggesting that a change in October or November was inevitable.
Adding further complexity, senior Congress MLA and Siddaramaiah loyalist Rajanna has publicly stated that Siddaramaiah will continue as CM for the full five years, indicating that party veterans are rallying around the Chief Minister. “No one has strongly demanded a change. Siddaramaiah will continue,” he said.
However, the speculation refuses to die down, especially after DK’s cryptic remarks and the buzz that the high command is closely watching both camps. The leadership tussle, though currently subdued, may re-emerge in newer forms as the party approaches the midpoint of its term.
With the Congress navigating both governance and internal balancing acts, the ultimate message appears clear for now: Siddaramaiah stays, DK supports, and the high command remains in command. Whether this political calm holds or a new storm brews — only time will tell.
