Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed speculation of a rift between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stressing that he will continue to support the latter as per the party high command’s direction.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar said, “What choice do I really have? The high command decides, and I follow. There’s nothing more to it. I’m with Siddaramaiah.”
The clarification came in the wake of renewed chatter about a power-sharing arrangement reportedly agreed upon after the Congress’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. As per that formula, Siddaramaiah would lead the government for the first half of the five-year term, and Shivakumar would take over in the latter half. However, CM Siddaramaiah recently expressed certainty about completing the full term.
“Why this doubt?” Siddaramaiah said when asked about the speculation. “Will Ashoka or Vijayendra decide? They’re BJP. Narayanswami too. It’s not their call.”
Amid these statements, Shivakumar avoided adding fuel to the fire, keeping his responses guarded. “I’m not going to talk more on this. Our party is backed by lakhs of workers. That’s what matters,” he added.
In an attempt to address internal discontent, the Congress had earlier allowed Shivakumar to simultaneously hold two key positions—Deputy CM and the state party chief—a rare dual responsibility in party politics.
Shivakumar also denied any discussion of leadership change during the recent visit of AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala. “The focus was on organizational issues and grievances from MLAs. Cabinet reshuffle or CM change was not on the table,” he clarified.
For now, both leaders seem keen to project unity, even as political observers continue to read between the lines.
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