Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Dismisses Leadership Change Speculations

Siddaramaiah Affirms His Position as Chief Minister

Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected rumors regarding a leadership change within the state government, stating on Thursday that there is 'no vacancy' for the chief minister's position and that he remains in office.

He expressed confidence in completing his five-year term as chief minister and dismissed speculations about Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar potentially taking over later this year.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were in Delhi on Thursday, but contrary to earlier expectations, they did not meet with Rahul Gandhi. Sources indicate that they have requested an appointment with him.

Later in the evening, they met with Congress's Karnataka in-charge, Randeep Surjewala, at his residence, where discussions reportedly focused on appointments within state boards and corporations.

On being questioned about the possibility of a leadership change in Karnataka, Siddaramaiah told reporters, 'Is there any vacancy for the chief minister's position? I am here before you. I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. D.K. Shivakumar has said the same, and I echo that... there is no vacancy.'

Siddaramaiah is in Delhi and is likely to meet with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Following the assembly election results in May 2023, there was intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's role.

The Congress party managed to persuade Shivakumar to accept the deputy chief minister position at that time. Reports suggested an agreement for a 'rotational chief ministership,' which would see Shivakumar take over in November 2025 after two and a half years. However, the party has yet to officially confirm this arrangement.