Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected reports of a “two-and-a-half-year” power-sharing agreement with his deputy, DK Shivakumar, asserting that he will continue to serve as the state’s CM until the Congress high command decides otherwise. The clarification came on the last day of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session in Belagavi, as speculations over leadership changes have intensified.

Siddaramaiah’s Statement on CM Tenure

Addressing questions from opposition leaders, Siddaramaiah stated:

“First, the people must bless us. Then the legislators elect the leader in the Legislative Party meeting, and after that, the high command decides. That is all I have said. Even now, I am the Chief Minister, and I will remain the Chief Minister until the high command decides otherwise.”

He also explicitly denied any prior agreement with Shivakumar:

“I never said anything about two and a half years. There is no such agreement as two and half years.”

Congress Leadership Tussle in Karnataka

The Congress Party in Karnataka has witnessed a prolonged leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over the past few months. A section of Congress MLAs even traveled to Delhi seeking a leadership change, as the state government completed half of its tenure.

To address these tensions, the party high command instructed the two leaders to resolve the matter internally. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar subsequently met for breakfast on two occasions, and both confirmed their willingness to comply with the party high command’s directives.

Demonstrating Unity

To showcase party unity, both leaders held a joint press conference, projecting a cohesive front amid ongoing speculation. The Congress leadership appears focused on maintaining stability within the Karnataka government, especially with state elections on the horizon.

Summary

Siddaramaiah’s clarification ends rumors of a formal power-sharing arrangement with Shivakumar, reinforcing his position as Karnataka CM. While intra-party rivalries remain a key talking point, both leaders have signaled adherence to the Congress high command, aiming to avoid further disruption in governance.

The development highlights the sensitive balancing act within state politics, where leadership claims and party unity must be carefully managed ahead of crucial electoral contests.

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