Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday firmly asserted that he will continue in office and present future state budgets, even as internal tensions rise within the ruling Congress over a potential leadership change.
The power struggle has intensified in recent days, with supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar urging the Congress high command to honour what they claim was a power-sharing agreement from 2023. As per that arrangement, Siddaramaiah was expected to hand over the chief ministership to Shivakumar after completing two-and-a-half years in office — a period that ended on November 20.
Congress MLAs Pressure High Command
According to party sources, around 15 MLAs and nearly a dozen MLCs have travelled to New Delhi to push for Shivakumar’s elevation as the next Chief Minister.
Responding to questions about the Delhi meetings, Siddaramaiah said the final decision rests solely with the Congress leadership.
“The High Command will decide on any leadership changes or cabinet reshuffle. Shivakumar and I will follow whatever the High Command says,” he stated.
“I Will Continue, I Will Present Future Budgets”
When asked if he would present the next two state budgets, Siddaramaiah replied sharply:
“Why are you asking this? Yes, I will continue. I will present the budgets in the future as well.”
He also confirmed that he would meet Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is arriving in Bengaluru.
Calls for Discipline Within Party
The Chief Minister reiterated that all ministers and legislators must avoid public statements on leadership issues until the High Command makes its decision.
“Everyone has to obey whatever the High Command decides — ministers, MLAs, Shivakumar and I included,” he said.
On Shivakumar’s Brother’s Remarks
Asked about MP D.K. Suresh’s statement that Siddaramaiah “never backtracks from his word,” the CM responded:
“Yes, he is right. I have never gone back on my promises. I implemented all five guarantees we committed before the elections.”
Pressed on whether this included stepping aside for Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah again stressed that the decision lies with party leadership.
MLAs’ Delhi Trips Spark Rumours
Commenting on Agriculture Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy’s visit to Delhi, Siddaramaiah said he was not aware of the details but had spoken to him through video conference.
“He said he went to meet the Union Agriculture Minister,” he clarified.
