Siddaramaiah rules out Karnataka leadership change, vows to abide by high command

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, 6 May ruled out any immediate leadership change in the state, asserting that the Congress government will complete its full five-year term. Speaking to the media at Mysuru airport, he added that he would abide by any decision taken by the party high command on the matter — while clarifying he has received no information about any such move at present.

Siddaramaiah's Position on Leadership Speculation

The Chief Minister said he would travel to New Delhi if called by the party leadership. His remarks come amid a flurry of political activity in Karnataka's Congress ranks. Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar — widely regarded as a strong contender for the Chief Minister's post — visited Delhi following the conclusion of bypolls and held meetings with the national leadership.

Shortly after Shivakumar's Delhi trip, a group of cabinet ministers loyal to Siddaramaiah also met the high command, reportedly urging it to end the uncertainty over leadership. Senior MLAs were additionally said to be planning their own visits to the capital.

Amid this political churn, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge publicly announced that there will be no change of Chief Minister. Kharge also acknowledged that he himself faces pressure to take up the Karnataka Chief Minister's post — a claim that underscores the layers of ambition at play within the party's state unit.