'No leadership change in Karnataka'; D K Shivakumar not to become CM, Siddaramaiah to remain CM for full five-year term

NEW DELHI: The power struggle in Karnataka between D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah has temporarily cooled down, with the AICC confirming that there will be no leadership change in the state and that the reports circulating are only rumours. Speculations about a leadership change began after Congress leaders in Karnataka were called to Delhi by the party high command. However, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal said these reports were only assumptions.

According to Venugopal, the leaders were called to discuss the political situation in Karnataka and the three Rajya Sabha seats that have become vacant in the state. He also requested the media not to spread unnecessary speculation about other matters. Supporters of D K Shivakumar have been demanding a leadership change in Karnataka. They say the transfer of power based on the reported term-sharing agreement should not be delayed further.

However, another group within the party, including several senior Karnataka leaders, has backed Siddaramaiah and urged the high command to continue with the current arrangement without any leadership change. According to reports, Siddaramaiah is likely to continue as Chief Minister for the full five-year term, while D K Shivakumar will remain Deputy Chief Minister.

The Congress government in Karnataka completed three years in office on the 20th of this month. Supporters of Shivakumar claim there was an understanding that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve as Chief Minister for two-and-a-half years.