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Karnataka Power Tussle: Siddaramaiah Vows Full Term Amid Leadership Speculation

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made it clear he plans to stay in office for his full term. He dismissed swirling rumors about a potential leadership change within the state's Congress party. This comes after he and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar publicly demonstrated unity to end the speculation. Meanwhile, the opposition BJP has launched a fierce attack, calling this the most unpopular government in Karnataka's history.

Key Points: Siddaramaiah Asserts Full Term as CM, Dismisses Karnataka Leadership Rumors

  • Siddaramaiah firmly states he will complete his term and aims for re-election in 2028
  • Speculation over DK Shivakumar replacing him was quashed after a show of unity
  • Deputy CM DK Shivakumar denies a political dinner was related to leadership talks
  • BJP leaders label the current government as the "worst" and "totally unpopular"
2 min read

I am CM till high command says; will complete full term: Siddaramaiah on Karnataka power tussle

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah asserts he will complete his full term, dismissing speculation of a leadership change involving DK Shivakumar, as BJP attacks the government.

"I'm the CM till the high command says. - Chief Minister Siddaramaiah"

Bengaluru, December 17

Dismissing any uncertainty over leadership in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday reiterated that he will complete his "full term".

"We will complete the full term and return to power in 2028...I'm the CM till the high command says," the Karnataka CM said.

Speculation over whether DK Shivakumar would be appointed CM by the Congress high command persisted for a few days and was subsequently clarified by the party after the two leaders met for breakfast at each other's residences and held a joint press conference to demonstrate party unity.

Earlier, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivkumar dismissed speculation about the nature of a dinner meeting that he had.

Shivakumar said, "Who said? There was no dinner meeting or anything. I had gone for a dinner to my former DCC president to pay respect, they contributed a lot to Karnataka, Belgavi. So to honor them, I went along with my friends. There is no other politics."

Earlier, the BJP in Karnataka mounted an all-out attack on the Siddaramaiah government in the state, terming the incumbent government as the most unpopular.

BJP MLA and Karnataka Assembly LoP R Ashoka said, "As compared to Siddaramaiah of 2013, Siddaramaiah of 2025 is the worst. This term is the worst in the history of Karnataka. Totally unpopular."

BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy alleged that in the tussle between CM Siddaramiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar over the top post, the state's interests have been ignored.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"I'm the CM till the high command says" – this statement itself shows the problem. The high command in Delhi should not be micromanaging our state. Let Karnataka's leadership be decided by Karnataka's MLAs and the people's mandate. This Delhi-centric control is outdated.
R
Rohit P
Honestly, both Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar are capable leaders. This constant speculation by the media creates unnecessary drama. They had a joint press conference, issue is settled. Now please deliver on the guarantees and work for the state. Jai Karnataka! 💪
S
Sarah B
The BJP calling this government "unpopular" is pure politics. They would say the same thing no matter who was in power. Instead of constructive criticism from the opposition, we just get name-calling. The state needs a mature political discourse.
V
Vikram M
As a Kannadiga, I want stability. This "will I, won't I" drama every few months hurts investor confidence and distracts from governance. Sir, you say you will complete the term – we hope you do. But more importantly, ensure the administration functions smoothly for the next three years.
K
Karthik V
The deputy CM having to clarify that a dinner was just to "pay respect" and not a political meeting shows how toxic the speculation has become. Media needs to be responsible too. Sometimes a dinner is just a dinner! Let the government work.

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