Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has reaffirmed his support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, saying that the Congress party’s success in the state depends on his guidance and blessing. His remarks come amid mounting speculation over a leadership change as Siddaramaiah nears the halfway mark of his tenure next month.
In an interview with CNN-News18, Shivakumar made it clear that the Congress cannot afford to lose Siddaramaiah’s leadership experience and political influence.
“Without Siddaramaiah’s blessing and support, the Congress party will find it difficult. He is a seasoned politician, and we need him not just till 2028 but beyond if health permits,” Shivakumar said.
⚖️ Leadership Change Debate Intensifies
The statement arrives as debates swirl around the 2.5-year power-sharing formula reportedly agreed upon when the Congress came to power in Karnataka last year. Although the party’s central leadership has denied any such agreement, rumours persist that a reshuffle or leadership transition could be on the cards soon.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently fueled speculation after remarks at the ‘Rising Karnataka Summit’, where he hinted at the possibility of contesting the 2028 Assembly elections, despite earlier announcing plans to retire from electoral politics.
“I had said I won’t contest in 2028, but my friends are urging me to. I haven’t decided yet,” Siddaramaiah said.
He also made it clear that he will abide by the Congress high command’s direction on both his political future and the long-awaited cabinet reshuffle.
“The high command asked for a reshuffle three or four months ago. I said it should be done after 2.5 years in office. If they permit now, we will do it,” he added.
🤝 Shivakumar Reiterates Unity and Loyalty
Shivakumar dismissed talk of internal rivalry, aligning himself firmly with Siddaramaiah and the party’s top leadership.
“Whatever the party high command decides, I will follow. I stand by Siddaramaiah. We will all work together,” he asserted.
The Deputy CM praised Siddaramaiah’s long and diverse political journey — from Deputy Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition to his second term as Chief Minister — calling him vital to the stability and strength of the Karnataka Congress government.
“He is not just a leader, but a guiding force for Congress. We need him to ensure the government’s success and continuity,” Shivakumar said.
🗳️ Siddaramaiah Rules Out National Politics
Siddaramaiah, for his part, has distanced himself from any ambitions at the national level.
“I am not interested in national politics. My focus remains on Karnataka,” he said, adding that his AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, Dalits) ideology transcends party lines: “AHINDA is not limited to one party; it belongs to any political force that believes in social justice.”
🔍 Political Implications
The show of unity between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar comes at a crucial juncture for the Congress government in Karnataka, which faces growing political challenges from the BJP and JD(S) ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Analysts suggest Shivakumar’s open endorsement of Siddaramaiah is both a signal of solidarity and a strategic move to project stability within the party amid ongoing leadership chatter.
Originally published on newsworldstime.com.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
