Amid growing chatter about a possible shift in Karnataka’s leadership, chief minister Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected speculation that his position is under threat. The debate intensified after several legislators loyal to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar travelled to New Delhi to meet senior Congress leaders. Their visit triggered political buzz, but Siddaramaiah has clarified that there is no confusion or conflict within the government.
CM Calls ‘November Revolution’ Buzz a Media Creation
Speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka resurfaced this week after MLAs close to deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar flew to New Delhi to meet the Congress high command. Their sudden visit created political noise, especially as the Siddaramaiah-led government completed two and a half years in office.
The timing reopened discussions about an old claim of a “rotational chief minister formula,” though the party has never confirmed such an agreement.
Reports in the past suggested that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would share the chief minister’s position for two and a half years each. The idea resurfaced as soon as the government entered the halfway mark of its term. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has now pushed back strongly against this narrative.
CM Siddaramaiah Says There Is “No Debate” on Leadership
Responding to reporters on Thursday, the chief minister said the talk about a CM change is baseless. “It is an unnecessary debate,” he said. He explained that the discussion began only after some leaders mentioned a cabinet reshuffle after two and a half years. “The party leaders need to decide on the cabinet reshuffle,” he added.
During a visit to Chamarajanagar, Siddaramaiah reinforced that his position remains strong, “My power is secure now and in the future. Sincere efforts are being made to fulfil the promises made to the people…” he said.
He also rejected the phrase “November revolution,” a term used by some to describe the possibility of a major political shift in the state this month. The chief minister said the media created unnecessary hype. “It is you (media) who coined the term. You cooked up this ‘revolution’. Hence, there is no ‘kranti’ (revolution) or ‘bhranti’ (confusion). We have been given a five-year tenure to rule. After five years, elections will take place and we will win once again,” he said.
DK Shivakumar’s Loyalists in Delhi Add to Speculation of the Internal Conflict in Congress
The speculation gained momentum after MLAs believed to be Shivakumar’s supporters travelled to Delhi to meet the national leadership. Their visit comes shortly after Shivakumar had hinted that he may step aside as Karnataka Congress chief and allow others to take the organisational lead.
However, party leaders maintain that there is no shift in the government’s leadership structure.
Congress MLA KN Rajanna, who attended a closed-door meeting of senior Karnataka Congress leaders, shared details that appear to end the speculation. According to him, a letter from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) clearly lists Siddaramaiah as the chief minister and Shivakumar as the deputy chief minister. “We discussed strategies to bring Congress back to power in 2028… AICC letter clearly mentions Siddaramaiah as the CM and DK Shivakumar as DyCM,” he said.
With both leaders publicly projecting unity, the Congress appears focused on completing its five-year term and preparing for the 2028 Assembly elections.
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