Belagavi, Dec 8 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday firmly scotched escalating speculation over a possible change in leadership, reiterating that he will fully abide by the decision of the Congress high command.
Addressing reporters ahead of the winter session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, the CM said there was “nothing new” in his stand and maintained that both he and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remain committed to following whatever the party’s central leadership decides.
“Will abide by whatever the high command decides,” Siddaramaiah said, seeking to end what he called unnecessary chatter over the issue.
The remarks came shortly after his son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah stated that the high command had clearly communicated there was no leadership change on the table as of now, adding that he believed the Chief Minister would complete his full five-year term.
Yathindra, speaking separately in Belagavi, said the leadership confusion arose because the Deputy Chief Minister was asked publicly whether he aspired to the CM’s post, triggering a fresh wave of political speculation. “There are aspirants in every party. But the high command has said they will not decide it now,” he said.
Responding to reports that Siddaramaiah had been asked to visit Delhi in January, Yathindra clarified that such trips were routine. “The high command calls the chief minister for various issues. He will discuss the prevailing situation in the state as well,” he noted.
He further underscored that the Congress Legislative Party elects its leader for a fixed period, and that it is the CLP that ultimately decides who should occupy the chief minister’s chair. “The high command has made it clear there is no leadership change as of now,” he asserted.
The ruling Congress has been battling persistent talk of a possible transition ever since the government crossed the halfway mark of its term on November 20. Rumours were fuelled by claims of a 2023 “power-sharing deal” between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
However, the two top leaders have recently attempted to project unity, holding back-to-back breakfast meetings at each other’s residences following instructions from the Congress top brass — a move widely seen as an effort to cool tensions ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
For now, Siddaramaiah’s unequivocal assertion appears aimed at sending a clear signal of stability within the government and putting an end to speculation that has dominated Karnataka’s political discourse in recent weeks.
