Will CM Siddaramaiah Serve Full Term Without Power-Sharing?

Bengaluru, July 10 (NationPress) Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly stated that he intends to complete his entire five-year term, denying any power-sharing deal with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is perceived as a rival for the Chief Minister's role.

In a media briefing on Thursday, CM Siddaramaiah recognized that Shivakumar harbors ambitions for the Chief Minister's role, noting that there is nothing inappropriate about that. He emphasized that Shivakumar has made it clear that the Chief Minister's position is currently not available.

"Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has never claimed that a change in the Chief Minister is necessary," Siddaramaiah elaborated.

He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the full five-year term. "...I am CM for the entire term...I will steer the party through the 2028 Assembly elections," he proclaimed.

"Nonetheless, I am dedicated to adhering to the directives of the high command. Both Shivakumar and I are obligated to follow the high command’s resolutions. Presently, there are no conversations regarding any power-sharing arrangement," he mentioned.

In response to inquiries regarding certain MLAs advocating for Shivakumar to assume the Chief Minister role, Siddaramaiah responded, "A handful of MLAs might support Shivakumar, but the majority do not."

This declaration is significant given the ongoing leadership struggle, particularly since both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are presently in Delhi.

The two leaders are anticipated to meet Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, along with other senior Congress figures later today.

According to sources, Deputy CM Shivakumar is attempting to communicate a message to CM Siddaramaiah concerning power-sharing via the national leadership, leading Siddaramaiah to issue a counterstatement.

CM Siddaramaiah had reaffirmed his intention to serve the full term even prior to his visit to Delhi. Both leaders have been observed together—meeting Union Ministers and traveling in the same vehicle in the capital.

Sources indicate that as the Congress government approaches its halfway mark in November, Shivakumar is ramping up efforts to assert his claim for the top position.

Moreover, the current visit of AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala to the state—where he is conducting individual meetings with MLAs—is directly associated with the leadership dilemma and aims to gather their perspectives on the CM’s status.

Meanwhile, Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, addressing the media in Mysuru on Thursday, asserted that his father will fulfill the complete five-year term as Chief Minister. "The AICC General Secretary has clarified that no discussions regarding leadership changes have occurred. What more do you need?" Yathindra challenged.

He further stated that while a few aspirants are expressing their demands as the government nears its halfway mark, "There’s nothing wrong with voicing aspirations. Ultimately, the high command and MLAs will make the decision. But Siddaramaiah will remain CM for the full five years," he emphasized.