Amid mounting speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has denied any internal rift within the ruling Congress, insisting that there is “no problem” in the party and that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will abide by whatever the Congress high command decides.
Breaking his silence over reports of a power tussle within the state leadership, Shivakumar said the Congress remained united and dismissed the ongoing speculation as premature political chatter.
He stated that “there is no issue among us, no problem, and no politics involved. Whatever decisions have been taken will be implemented,” signalling that the leadership remains under the control of the party’s central command.
Leadership Change Rumours Gain Momentum in Karnataka
Shivakumar’s remarks come at a time when rumours of a leadership reshuffle in Karnataka have intensified as the Congress government approaches the halfway mark of its tenure.
Political circles have been abuzz over the possibility of a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar, an understanding widely believed to have been part of the negotiations when the Congress formed the government in 2023.
The speculation gathered further momentum after senior minister Satish Jarkiholi hinted at internal differences within the party and suggested that the Congress leadership might need to intervene.
Shivakumar Says Party Leadership Will Decide
Responding to the growing speculation, Shivakumar said the party leadership would take the right decision at the appropriate time and stressed that there was no internal crisis.
According to him, “our party can do whatever it feels is necessary. There is no problem, we have faith in our party. They will do what needs to be done.”
He reiterated that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remain committed to following the direction of the party high command.
Shivakumar added that “both the Chief Minister and I have said that whenever the high command gives any instruction, we will follow it and act accordingly,” making it clear that the final call on any leadership decision lies with the Congress leadership in Delhi.
Birthday Speculation Adds to Political Buzz
When asked whether there could be any political “good news” around his birthday on May 15, Shivakumar refused to comment, a move that has only added to speculation about possible developments in the coming weeks.
The refusal to directly deny the possibility of a leadership change has kept political observers guessing about whether the Congress may indeed consider a reshuffle.
Strict Warning Against Birthday Hoardings
Amid the political chatter, Shivakumar also issued a stern warning to Congress workers against putting up flex banners and hoardings for his birthday celebrations.
He said that “no one should put up flexes or banners on my birthday. If anyone does, I will instruct civic authorities to take action,” adding that unauthorised displays spoil the appearance of public roads.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said he has directed civic authorities to impose heavy fines and register cases against violators, regardless of their political connections.
Religious Leaders Back Shivakumar for CM Post
Adding a fresh political dimension to the issue, Pranavananda Swamiji, president of the forum of heads of the Most Backward Classes mutts, openly backed Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post.
The seer urged the Congress leadership to appoint Shivakumar as Karnataka CM, claiming he had been promised the top role after helping the party return to power.
He warned that failure to honour the alleged promise could hurt the party politically, saying there is a growing demand that leaders from other backward communities should also be given an opportunity.
According to the seer, around 25 swamijis are preparing to travel to New Delhi to press the demand before the Congress high command.
Congress Faces Growing Pressure Over Leadership Questions
Although Shivakumar has publicly denied any tensions, the growing demands from within political and social circles have increased pressure on the Congress leadership to clarify its position.
With the Karnataka government nearing the midpoint of its term, the leadership question is likely to remain a major talking point in the state’s politics.
For now, Shivakumar has maintained that the party remains united, but the rising calls for change suggest that the debate over Karnataka’s leadership is far from over.
What did DK Shivakumar say about the Karnataka leadership change rumours?
DK Shivakumar said there is no problem within the Congress party and that any decision taken by the party high command will be followed.
Why is there speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka?
Speculation has risen due to reports of a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar when the Congress formed the government in 2023.
Who has supported DK Shivakumar for Chief Minister?
Pranavananda Swamiji and several religious leaders from backward class mutts have publicly supported Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post.
Did Shivakumar confirm any leadership change?
No, Shivakumar denied any internal issue and said the Congress high command would take decisions when needed.
