In a strong assertion aimed at ending ongoing speculation in Karnataka’s political landscape, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will complete his full five-year term in office. Speaking exclusively to News18 on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Reddy emphasized the stability of the Congress-led government in the state and expressed confidence in the party’s re-election in the next Assembly elections.

Amid consistent media reports and internal murmurs suggesting a power tussle between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, Reddy sought to reinforce the party’s unified stance and warned party members against airing internal differences publicly. He also addressed a wide range of governance issues, including the bike taxi policy, the Shakti scheme, and the Temple Bill.

"100% Siddaramaiah Will Continue": Reddy’s Firm Statement

Responding to direct questions about possible leadership change by December, Ramalinga Reddy firmly stated:

“100 per cent. Siddaramaiah will continue. Our Congress government will complete five years—and we will win another five.”

He described Siddaramaiah’s recent visit to Delhi as a sign of support from the Congress high command, saying the CM’s own statement reaffirming a full term was as good as an endorsement from the party’s central leadership.

Call for Disciplinary Action Within Congress

Taking a sharp position on the ongoing infighting and media leaks by some leaders, Reddy said:

“Leaders or MLAs should not be speaking to the media about CM change, KPCC change, or demand for multiple deputy CMs. If they have issues, they should discuss them behind closed doors.”

He further urged that the Congress high command take strict action against such individuals:

“What they are doing is wrong and affects the party’s image and future. Both CM and Deputy CM should strongly ask everyone to stop this behavior.”

Shakti Scheme and Transport Sector: Progress and Pressure

Reddy defended the Shakti scheme, which provides free bus travel to women, as a success, claiming that over 500 crore trips had been made under the initiative since its launch in June 2023.

“We are paying salaries regularly and have recruited 10,000 new employees. The daily number of travellers increased from 85 lakh to 1.05 crore.”

Addressing concerns over losses faced by transport corporations, he said that Congress has added 5,000 new buses, while the BJP cancelled 3,800 buses during their rule.

In response to criticism about delayed salary payments, he responded:

“During the BJP government, salaries were paid once every two months. We are doing 100% better.”

Bike Taxi Controversy: Court to Decide

Reddy refused to be drawn into the ongoing debate over bike taxi operations in Bengaluru, stating that the issue was pending in court and he wouldn’t comment further. When asked about Maharashtra’s pro-bike taxi stance, he noted that comparisons with other states were not valid, emphasizing Karnataka’s extensive public transport network.

Temple Bill and Guarantees: Clearing the Air

As Muzrai Minister, Reddy also commented on the controversial Temple Bill, which mandates that 10% of revenue from temples earning ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore be shared with the state.

“This is aimed at supporting C-grade temples and over 40,000 priests who currently lack basic support. The bill is awaiting Presidential assent.”

Dismissing allegations that temple funds are being used for guarantee schemes, he said:

“We cannot transfer even one rupee from one temple to another. The BJP is misguiding the public.”

On Karnataka’s Financial Health

Refuting opposition charges that the Congress government is broke, Reddy explained:

“Every week, the CM and deputy CM are launching new projects in districts. How can we do that without funds?”

He also criticized the previous BJP regime for leaving a debt burden of ₹1 lakh crore and taking loans worth ₹2.4 lakh crore, blaming them for the current financial strain.

Political Stability and Future Elections

Reiterating his belief in the strength of the current government, Reddy said:

“The government is 100% stable. We will complete this term and return again.”

He emphasized that the leadership will remain with Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, while crediting Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi for backing the Karnataka unit.

Conclusion: An Attempt to End Speculation

Ramalinga Reddy’s statements come at a time when political observers have noted repeated tensions within the Karnataka Congress, largely around succession plans and CM ambitions of DK Shivakumar. Reddy’s unequivocal support for Siddaramaiah signals an effort to project unity, push back against BJP criticism, and reassure both the public and Congress cadre that the government is functioning cohesively.

His call for disciplinary action may also be a pre-emptive move to restore party discipline as the next election cycle looms large. With guarantees like Shakti, projects in motion, and senior leadership standing behind the CM, the Congress government in Karnataka appears determined to push back against any perception of instability.

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