Bengaluru, Oct 27 (NationPress) D.K. Shivakumar, who serves as Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President, has dismissed the rumors surrounding a potential leadership shift in the state. He stated that the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's comments have effectively concluded the discussion.

“Once the Chief Minister has spoken, that’s the end of it. What else is there after that? We will act as he says,” Shivakumar expressed to reporters near Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, upon returning from Delhi. When questioned about Siddaramaiah’s statement regarding his term as Chief Minister, saying he would serve the full term “only if the high command decides so,” Shivakumar remarked, “Nothing more to say. That’s the end of it.”

In response to inquiries about his trip to Delhi, Deputy CM Shivakumar emphasized that it was unrelated to any political discussions. “I visited the residence of our party’s Working Committee member Ambika Soni to express my condolences following her husband’s passing. She shared a close bond with me and had visited when I was in Tihar Jail,” he noted, sharing the history of their connection from the time of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna.

Addressing rumors of a meeting with the Congress high command, Shivakumar stated, “I can only speak about my official work-related visit. As for meetings with the high command — you in the media, the public, and others can speculate as much as you wish. It’s not a matter that concerns me.”

The topic of leadership arose again on Monday when Siddaramaiah, while addressing reporters in Mangaluru, reiterated that he would remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term “only if the high command decides so,” despite previously asserting his intention to complete the term and lead the party in the upcoming Assembly elections.

This statement has gained importance as the Congress-led government approaches the halfway mark of its term on November 20, amid discussions that Shivakumar might claim the Chief Minister’s position for the latter half of the tenure.

When questioned about his supporters expressing hopes for a leadership transition, Siddaramaiah remarked, “In a democratic setup, we cannot stop those who are in competition. It is their democratic right to aspire. Claims may be made for the Chief Minister’s post, but the final decision will be made by the high command.”