Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Quashes Leadership Change Rumours, D.K. Shivakumar Backs Him
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday firmly rejected any speculation regarding a change in leadership, asserting that he will complete his full five-year term.
Emphasizing the unity within the Congress government, he declared that the administration will remain “solid as a rock” throughout its tenure.
Responding to media queries about his continuity as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said, “Yes, I will be [CM for five years]. Why do you doubt that?”
His remarks come amid persistent rumours and political commentary suggesting a possible leadership transition, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar often viewed as a strong contender for the top post.
Shivakumar, addressing the media, played down any leadership ambitions for now, reiterating his loyalty to the party and its decision-making process.
“What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I have no objection. Whatever the party high command decides, I will abide by it. This is not the time to talk about leadership. Lakhs of workers are supporting the Congress,” Shivakumar told ANI.
When asked to respond to the BJP and JD(S) leaders’ claims that his tenure as CM might be cut short, Siddaramaiah dismissed them sharply. “Are they our high command?” he retorted, questioning the legitimacy of their statements.
He further accused the BJP of spreading falsehoods and attempting to sow discord regarding the stability of the Congress government in Karnataka.
“No one believes the BJP. They are habitual liars. They don’t know how to speak the truth. Whether they believe it or not doesn’t matter to us. We are united, and as I said in Mysuru recently, this government will last five years. It will be as solid as a rock. The BJP is simply daydreaming,” he said.
Siddaramaiah also aimed for the BJP’s performance during its time in power, alleging that the party failed to deliver on critical fronts such as irrigation, rural development, infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
“They were in power for four years and had another 1.2 years in coalition with the JD(S) under H.D. Kumaraswamy’s leadership. What have they accomplished? Nothing. They are trying to mislead the public by spreading lies instead of showing any real development,” he asserted.
