The Indus Zone Tech Desk | October,14 2025 | Siddaramaiah Dismisses Leadership Change | Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly rejected speculation that he would hand over the reins of power to his deputy D.K. Shivakumar midway through the Congress government’s five-year term. Addressing reporters in Mysuru, the 76-year-old leader said he will continue as CM for the remaining two and a half years of the tenure.
“I will be there for another two-and-a-half years,” Siddaramaiah said, calling opposition predictions of leadership change baseless political gossip.
Opposition’s Prediction of Power Transfer
For months, opposition parties in Karnataka have argued that Siddaramaiah would step aside in November 2025, halfway through the Congress government’s term, making way for state Congress president and deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah Dismisses Leadership Change Speculation :
“They (opposition parties) are not soothsayers and cannot predict the future. Nothing will happen as they claim. They don’t know the realities,” he said.
This remark underscores the Congress veteran’s determination to continue leading the government amid ongoing whispers of a power-sharing agreement struck in 2023.
The 2023 Power-Sharing Pact: Fact or Fiction?
After the Congress won 135 out of 224 seats in the May 2023 assembly elections, the high command delayed announcing the chief minister. Both Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar had lobbied aggressively for the post, creating weeks of uncertainty.
Eventually, Siddaramaiah emerged as CM, but media reports, including from ThePrint, noted that a power-sharing arrangement had been discussed, where Shivakumar would take over after 2.5 years.
However, Siddaramaiah has never acknowledged such a deal, insisting instead that the decision ultimately lies with the party’s national leadership.
“Whatever the high command decides, we have to go by it,” Siddaramaiah said, keeping the final authority with Congress’s central leadership.
Tensions Between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar
The relationship between the two senior Congress leaders has long been a balancing act. While Siddaramaiah enjoys wide support among Congress MLAs and grassroots workers, Shivakumar commands a strong organisational base and financial influence.
Congress insiders admit that discussions about leadership change resurface frequently, often fuelled by comments from loyalists of either camp.
Siddaramaiah loyalists insist he should remain CM until 2028, even leading the party in the next election.
Shivakumar’s supporters have quietly pushed for recognition of his contribution to the 2023 victory and want him to get his turn at the top job.
Adding to the tension, several Congress MLAs have reportedly urged the high command to replace Shivakumar as state Congress chief, suggesting the appointment of additional deputy chief ministers to ease factional strains.
Cabinet Challenges and Political Pressures
Managing a diverse Congress legislative team has been another challenge for Siddaramaiah. To maintain internal unity, he has had to accommodate nearly a hundred leaders with cabinet and ministerial ranks, including 33 full ministers.
This balancing act reflects both the strength and fragility of Congress in Karnataka:
On one hand, Siddaramaiah has managed to keep factions largely in check.
On the other, the demand for more cabinet reshuffles continues, leaving scope for discontent.
Speculation remains that the party high command may announce minor cabinet changes to placate different factions without disturbing the top leadership.
Why This Matters in Karnataka Politics
- Opposition Strategy: BJP and JD(S) are using the speculation to create doubt about Congress’s stability in government.
- Congress Unity Test: How the high command handles Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar tensions will shape the party’s future in the state.
- 2028 Assembly Elections: Siddaramaiah’s statement signals his intent not just to complete this term, but also to lead Congress into the next elections.
By shutting down leadership-change rumours, Siddaramaiah has positioned himself as the Congress’s anchor in Karnataka, even as Shivakumar waits in the wings.
