Siddaramaiah puts power-sharing talks to rest, signals he will remain Karnataka CM in future too

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. (PTI file photo)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday yet again dismissed the power-sharing tussle that has gripped the Congress government for several weeks, saying that he will remain in office for a full five-year term.

During a discussion in the assembly on the issues pertaining to North Karnataka's development, Siddaramaiah said he never mentioned that he was the Chief Minister for only two-and-half years.

“I am confident that the high command will allow me to complete five years’ term,” he said in response to a query from the opposition BJP MLAs about whether the government's promises made for North Karnataka will be fulfilled during his tenure.

“I feel that the high command is on my side, but I will abide by the high command’s decision,” he reiterated.

This is not the first time that Siddaramaiah has declared he will remain CM for a full term. Earlier, in July, the Karnataka CM had dismissed speculations of leadership change in Karnataka and said he will serve the full five-year term in office.

The latest remarks follow weeks of build-up in the state about a possible “November revolution” as the Siddaramaiah government completed 2.5 years in office. As per unconfirmed reports, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had a power-sharing agreement after Congress won the elections in 2023 under which Shivakumar was expected to take over as chief minister at the halfway mark of the government’s term.

Speculation over a leadership change gathered momentum after Shivakumar shared cryptic posts on X and made public remarks as his loyalists pressed the high command in Delhi for the deputy CM’s elevation. However, the issue was quietly put to rest following a breakfast meeting earlier this month.

Siddaramaiah’s latest remark, however, indicates that he is in no mood to make way for his deputy.

“I am the Chief Minister. If the high command decides, I will be the Chief Minister in future as well,” he said.

When the opposition members pressed on the "power sharing" agreement between Siddaramaiah and the Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for holding the top post on a rotational basis, he said, “I never said that I will be the Chief Minister for two-and-half years.”