Siddaramaiah Vows to Stay CM for Full Term as Shivakumar Stirs Buzz with Ambiguous Stand

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reaffirmed his intent to complete a full five-year term in office, sending a clear message amid persistent rumours of a mid-term leadership shift within the ruling Congress government. His statement comes as internal murmurs and open endorsements from party MLAs continue to suggest rising support for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to take over the reins before the end of the current term.

Facing a volley of questions from reporters, Siddaramaiah brushed off speculation, asserting that he will remain Chief Minister for the entire tenure. “Do you have any doubt?” he asked, signalling confidence in his position and in the backing of the party’s high command.

Adding a new layer to the unfolding political dynamic, Shivakumar struck a more neutral tone during his interaction with the media. “What option do I have?” he said, indicating that his loyalty lies with both the Chief Minister and the party leadership. His remarks, interpreted by many as diplomatically non-committal, have reignited curiosity around his future political ambitions.

The latest comments from both leaders come just days after Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala categorically stated that no leadership change was being considered in Karnataka. That clarification was aimed at curbing growing speculation, particularly after several party MLAs publicly expressed their preference for Shivakumar to assume the top post during the second half of the term.

Interestingly, Shivakumar’s tone on Wednesday was markedly different from his position earlier in the week, when he clearly stated that he was not aiming for the Chief Minister’s post. Speaking to India Today, he had emphasized that his focus was on preparing the party for the 2028 Assembly elections and strengthening its grassroots structure. “Discipline is the top priority,” he had said, distancing himself from the chorus of support emerging from within the party.

The tension, while not overt, reflects the tightrope the Congress leadership is walking in Karnataka—balancing the influence of two strong regional leaders without disrupting governance or unity. Siddaramaiah remains the public face of the government, with deep mass appeal, while Shivakumar, as KPCC President, wields considerable organisational control and has cultivated a loyal base within the party.