Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday reiterated his full support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command, amid growing rumours of a potential leadership change in the state.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar dismissed speculation of a power struggle and said, “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 decides, it will be fulfilled.”
He declined to delve into internal matters, adding, “Lakhs of workers are supporting this party. I don’t want to discuss anything now.”
The comments come amid renewed murmurs within political circles about a possible rift between the Chief Minister and his deputy. The Congress formed the government in Karnataka in 2023 with Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as Deputy CM, following a high-stakes election.
Adding to the political buzz, Congress MLA BR Patil clarified his earlier “luck lottery” comment on Siddaramaiah, stating that the CM’s elevation was due to his mass leadership and not mere luck.
When asked if he would complete a full five-year term as CM, Siddaramaiah responded assertively: “Yes, I will. Why do you have doubts? BJP leaders like Ashoka and Vijayendra are not our high command. They are BJP men, not decision-makers for Congress.”
Shivakumar also addressed speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, clarifying that the recent meeting held by Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala with party MLAs was focused purely on organisational matters, not on altering the power structure.
“There is no discussion about changing the CM or expanding the cabinet,” Shivakumar asserted, noting that the Congress high command, under Mallikarjun Kharge, has designated this year as the ‘year of organisation’, with a focus on strengthening district and block-level leadership.
Despite the undercurrents, both leaders have continued to publicly affirm their commitment to party unity and governance stability.
