Shivakumar: No Talks On Leadership Change In KA

Laying the speculations to rest, Deputy CM Shivakumar states that the state government is not discussing any leadership change and is focused on the next state elections. Shivakumar also to issue a notice to MLA Iqbal Hussain.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stand united amid leadership change speculation. Shivakumar said on Tuesday that there is no discussion on leadership change and that the party is focused on strengthening the government in the state, PTI reports.

Shivakumar has also asked party leaders and MLAs not to speak to the press on the leadership change issue and increase the unwarranted speculation. According to NDTV reports, he said, “ I don't want any MLAs to bat for me, ” referring to the notice that will be issued to Ramanagara MLA H A Iqbal Hussain, who has been making statements that Shivakumar should become the CM.

DK Shivakumar, who is also Karnataka’s Congress Party President, said, "The focus should be on the 2028 election. I don't want MLAs to speak for me anymore. The 'high command' will take action (against them) if they do. There are no factions in the Congress... there is only one Congress under (party boss Mallikarjun) Kharge. I am not here seeking change."

The DKS-Siddaramaiah Clash

The clash between the Deputy CM and CM goes back to when the party came into power in Karnataka in 2023.  There was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post after the declaration of the Assembly election results in May.

DKS is widely credited with reviving the party's fortune in the state, and ensuring critical support from the Vokkaliga community, and was expected to be named the new Chief Minister at the time. Loyalists like Iqbal Hussain said 100 of the party's 138 MLAs would back DKS for the CM role. 

The Congress had managed to convince Shivakumar and made him the Deputy CM, with Siddharamiah taking the role as CM. However, some reports at the time said that a compromise had been reached based on a "rotational chief minister formula according to Deccan Herald.

According to this speculation, Shivakumar was to become CM after two-and-half years. These reports were never verified by the party.

MLAs loyal to Shivakumar have been flagging that 'deadline' to the rotation in recent weeks. While those loyal to Siddaramaiah have pointed out that DKS holds a dual role - Deputy Chief Minister and President of the Congress's state unit - in violation of the party's 'one man, one post' rule.

Squashing the squabble, Siddaramaiah said the Congress government will remain "as solid as a rock" for five years. With Shivakumar at his side, he said, "This government will be as solid as a 'bande' (rock) for five years."

Displaying unity with his Deputy CM, Siddaramaiah held hands with Shivakumar in a press event at Mysuru, saying, "We are on good terms. We don't listen to what others say," regarding the recent speculation.