'Can't you ever ask anything else?': Siddaramaiah loses cool, demands to not be asked about Karnataka leadership change

Siddaramaiah

• Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar to follow Congress high command's leadership decision
• Siddaramaiah says he will abide by any decision on leadership change
• MLA delegation to visit Australia, NZ to study livestock, sericulture practices

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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said both he and his deputy DK Shivakumar would follow any decision taken by the Congress high command regarding the leadership issue. His remarks come in the wake of comments by Shivakumar’s brother, former MP DK Suresh, who had suggested that leaders joining the party from outside were often given priority.

“Can’t you (media) ask anything other than this (leadership change issue)? You don’t ask anything else, only this. It has been three months since you began this. Please don’t ask me this again,” Siddaramaiah told reporters, visibly frustrated at the repeated questioning.

He added, “The high command is aware, they will decide. I will abide by their decision. How many times should I tell you (reporters) this?”

The chief minister’s comments come amid continuing speculation over a potential leadership change in the state, linked to an alleged power-sharing understanding when the Congress government was formed in 2023. The discussion gained traction after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term in November 2025.

Siddaramaiah’s son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, recently affirmed that his father would serve a full term, stating that the party leadership had conveyed the same position.

Siddaramaiah declined to comment directly on Suresh’s earlier statement expressing hope that a leadership understanding would be honoured. “Ask those who make the statement. Why do you ask me? I will abide by the high command’s decision,” he said.

Shivakumar, before leaving for New Delhi, asserted that there was “no confusion” regarding the leadership matter, adding that he had discussed it with Siddaramaiah in the presence of senior party leaders.

Separately, MLA C Puttarangashetty announced that 22 legislators will visit Australia and New Zealand next week. He said the trip, organised by the state’s Animal Husbandry department, aims to study international livestock and sericulture practices. Minister K Venkatesh will lead the delegation.

Siddaramaiah, however, said he was not aware of the trip. “If they go spending their own money, can we say no? MLAs and MLCs will be going on a foreign trip spending their own money,” he noted.

The chief minister, who also handles the finance portfolio, said the date for the state Budget would be announced on February 15. Officials indicate that the 2026–27 Budget is likely to be presented in March, which would mark Siddaramaiah’s 17th budget.

Earlier, DK Suresh’s remarks had attracted political attention. “The Congress party includes leaders from all religions and all parties. There are people here from the BJP, Janata Dal (Secular), BSP and others. They are given first priority. Those who have come from outside are given priority first, and then Congress members. Respecting guests is the objective of the Congress party,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.

His statement was widely seen as a veiled reference to Siddaramaiah, who had joined the Congress after leaving the Janata Dal (Secular) and later became chief minister.

When questioned about Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s leadership remarks, Suresh replied with sarcasm. “The deputy CM has already responded to this issue. We do not have as much knowledge as he does. We are not as big as he is. Whatever he says is final for us.” On party discipline, he added, “There is nothing wrong in what he has said. The same policy should apply to everyone. Since he is the high command, there is no problem.”

Suresh also addressed speculation around Shivakumar’s visit to Delhi. “He has already informed you (the media) that he was called for a meeting regarding elections when he travels to Delhi… Therefore, Delhi visits are not new for Shivakumar,” he said, noting that such trips have been routine for decades. He added, “There is no politics. All politics is with the media in Karnataka.”