In a political development that underscores the Karnataka Congress leadership crisis, DK Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President, has extended his support to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amidst swirling rumours about an internal tussle over the Chief Ministerial post. However, the political air remains thick with tension as Shivakumar’s body language and tone seemed to betray a sense of dissatisfaction, particularly when he told reporters: “What option do I have?”

The remark—“What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him”—though seemingly supportive, has reignited speculation about a brewing rift in the state Congress leadership. Siddaramaiah, for his part, has asserted he will remain CM for the full five-year term, seeking to dismiss any perception of instability or factionalism within the ruling party. The Karnataka political news 2025 now finds itself centred on this public show of unity laced with undertones of rivalry.

Siddaramaiah’s Strong Assertion

On Tuesday, speaking to the press, Siddaramaiah said, “Yes, I will be [CM for five years]. Why do you have doubts?”, reinforcing his earlier assertion that the Congress party is united and that there is no plan to change the Chief Minister. He blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for spreading misinformation about instability in the Congress-led government, insisting that his administration will be “solid as a rock” through its full term.

Siddaramaiah also responded to questions about ministerial aspirants, stating, “In a democracy, everyone has the right to become a CM… but the high command will ultimately decide.” With only 34 cabinet berths available and 140 legislators in the party, he acknowledged the inevitable disappointment among many MLAs but urged patience and discipline.

Shivakumar’s Statement: A Hint of Resentment?

Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar’s statement, “What option do I have?”, has been dissected widely in political circles and the media. While he followed it up with words of loyalty—“I have to stand by him and support him. I have no objection. Whatever the party high command decides will be implemented”—his facial expression and tone suggested that all may not be well behind closed doors.

The Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar rivalry has long been a part of Karnataka Congress’s internal dynamics. After the May 2023 Assembly election results, there was fierce competition between the two senior leaders for the Chief Minister’s post. Eventually, the party chose Siddaramaiah as CM and made Shivakumar the Deputy CM, a move widely seen as a compromise arrangement.

The Rotational CM Formula: Fact or Fiction?

There were reports at the time about a “rotational Chief Minister” formula, wherein Siddaramaiah would serve as CM for the first two-and-a-half years, followed by Shivakumar taking over for the remaining term. However, this arrangement was never officially confirmed by the party, and recent statements by both leaders appear to downplay or even deny such an understanding.

Still, the DK Shivakumar what option do I have remark seems to breathe new life into this speculation, especially when seen in the light of Congress high command decision-making culture, where final calls are taken in Delhi, often ignoring grassroots realities in the state units.

Public Unity, Private Power Struggles

While Congress leaders have publicly denied any leadership tussle, political observers believe that Shivakumar is waiting for the right moment to assert himself. As President of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and a mass leader from the Vokkaliga community, Shivakumar has built a strong support base that cannot be ignored, particularly if the 2028 elections are to be fought under his leadership.

Yet, his current restraint appears to be guided by the need for party unity and perhaps a calculated wait-and-watch strategy. He may be banking on the high command honouring the alleged rotational deal at the halfway mark of the government’s term.

BJP’s Role and Congress’s Counter

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have blamed the BJP for spreading rumours of leadership change, accusing them of trying to destabilise the Congress-led government. The BJP, which has been trying to rebuild its base after the 2023 election defeat, has so far stayed silent on this matter, perhaps allowing internal Congress murmurs to grow on their own.

However, any visible rift between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar could offer the BJP a much-needed opening to discredit the government ahead of upcoming Lok Sabha elections or bypolls in the state.

What Lies Ahead?

The Karnataka Congress government updates indicate that for now, there is no change in leadership. DK Shivakumar has affirmed support, Siddaramaiah has declared stability, and the Congress high command has maintained its silence. But the underlying friction remains.

The remarks, optics, and political history between these two leaders keep the rotational CM formula Congress rumour alive. The Congress party, which prides itself on discipline and central command, will need to manage this delicate balance to ensure that governance and party credibility remain intact in Karnataka.

Conclusion

The Karnataka Congress unity may have been displayed on camera with DK Shivakumar supporting Siddaramaiah, but his offhand “what option do I have?” comment reveals the tensions simmering beneath the surface. The future of the Congress leadership structure in Karnataka will depend heavily on how the high command navigates the competing ambitions of two powerful leaders.

As things stand, Siddaramaiah remains the CM, and Shivakumar remains patient, but whether this equilibrium lasts till 2028 remains to be seen. For now, the message from the Congress camp is clear: there is no discussion on leadership change—but the story, undoubtedly, is far from over.

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