Bengaluru: Amid growing speculation about a possible change in leadership in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday reaffirmed his support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, “What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don’t have any objection to whatever the party high command decides. Their decision will be final and will be implemented.”
He further emphasized that now was not the time for internal discussions, noting, “I don’t want to discuss anything at this point. Lakhs of workers are standing behind this party.”
The statement comes amid ongoing speculation about internal rifts within the Congress following the party’s return to power in Karnataka in 2023, with Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister and Shivakumar serving as his deputy.
Adding to the political chatter, Congress MLA BR Patil recently clarified his controversial “luck lottery” remarks about Siddaramaiah, stating the CM was chosen based on his strong mass appeal and leadership.
When questioned about the duration of his tenure, CM Siddaramaiah was confident. “Yes, I will remain CM for five years. Why do you have doubts?” he said, dismissing comments from opposition leaders. “Ashoka, Vijayendra—are they our high command? They are BJP men,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar clarified that a recent meeting with Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala and party MLAs was focused solely on organisational matters and not on a cabinet reshuffle or change in leadership.
“The AICC general secretaries are addressing organisational issues and listening to MLAs’ requests. There’s been no discussion on cabinet expansion or replacing the CM,” said Shivakumar, who also heads the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).
He added that the party is currently prioritizing organisational strengthening, following Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge’s declaration of this year as the “Year of Organisation.” Shivakumar stressed the importance of empowering district and block-level leadership to maintain a well-structured party machinery across the state.
