Karnataka Politics / I will remain CM for 5 years… Siddaramaiah declares, DK says- what option do I have

Karnataka Politics: There has been speculation for a long time about the change of leadership in the ruling Congress party in Karnataka. Discussions about the alleged power change agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are gaining momentum in political circles. Amidst these speculations, the ongoing meetings of Congress's Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala with party leaders have further heated up the political atmosphere. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has put an end to all these speculations and made it clear that he will remain in his post for the full five years.

Siddaramaiah's determination

While talking to reporters in Chikkaballapura on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah categorically rejected the speculation of leadership change. When asked whether he would remain the Chief Minister for five years, he replied bluntly, "Yes, I will be. Why do you doubt it?" His clarity has given a new message in political circles that he is not ready to succumb to any kind of compromise or pressure.

Support for DK Shivakumar

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also supported Siddaramaiah's statement in Chikkaballapura, saying, "What option do I have? I have to stand with him and support him." He further said, "I have no objection to this. Whatever the party high command says and decides, it will be carried out." Shivakumar also added that lakhs of workers are supporting the Congress and talks of leadership change at this time are unnecessary.

The truth of the rotational chief minister formula

About two years ago, after the Karnataka assembly elections in May 2023, a fierce battle was seen between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the post of Chief Minister. After long discussions and the intervention of the party high command, Siddaramaiah was made the Chief Minister and Shivakumar the Deputy Chief Minister. At that time, the "rotational chief minister formula" came to the fore, under which it was claimed that Shivakumar would be made the Chief Minister after two and a half years. However, the Congress high command never officially confirmed this agreement.

Shivakumar hits back at opposition

Opposition parties, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Janata Dal Secular (JDS), have also been seen making statements, fuelling speculations of a leadership change. Taking a dig at claims made by BJP leaders such as R Ashoka, BY Vijayendra and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, Shivakumar said, "Are they our high command?" He questioned how statements by opposition leaders could be considered true without confirmation.

Claim of unity in the party

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar also made it clear that there is no dissent within the ruling Congress. "When Siddaramaiah is the chief minister, there is no need for any kind of dispute on the issue of leadership," he said. His statement sends a message of unity and stability within the party.

#WATCH | Chikkaballapur | On CM Siddaramaiah, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don’t have any objection to it. Whatever the party high command tells and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled...I don’t… pic.twitter.com/E438mmq8cy

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025