Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Denies Rift with CM Siddaramaiah: "We Are Working Together"

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday stated that there are no differences between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, emphasizing unity within the state Congress ranks.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar clarified, "There is no difference between me and the CM. Being the party president, I know my limits. Nowhere have I made any comments or expressed a difference of opinion with the CM. We are all working together."

He further emphasized that their focus remains on fulfilling the aspirations of Karnataka's people and preparing strategies for the upcoming 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections and 2029 general elections.

"There are a lot of aspirations of the people of Karnataka, and we are committed to working for them. Our aim is 2028 and 2029, and we are working for it. The CM and I will work out a strategy. We want to call an all-party meeting on various issues," Shivakumar added.

This statement comes amid growing speculation about leadership tensions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. On Saturday, the two leaders held an hour-long breakfast meeting, demonstrating their commitment to following the party high command's directives.

While the meeting appeared to project unity, opposition parties dismissed it as a "breakup par makeup," suggesting that the leaders were merely trying to conceal their internal differences.

Speculations about a leadership change intensified on November 20, when the Siddaramaiah-led government completed its half-term.

Siddaramaiah maintains that he will complete his full five-year term as Chief Minister, citing the mandate received from Karnataka voters. He has repeatedly stressed his dedication to fulfilling the Congress party's promises, particularly the five guarantee schemes.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has reportedly been advocating for a leadership change, referring to a "secret agreement" among senior leaders that would allow him to assume the role of Chief Minister after 2.5 years.

The Congress high command, led by party President Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to make a decision on the matter soon. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have expressed their willingness to abide by whatever decision the party leadership makes.

This leadership tussle, stemming from the alleged 2023 "power-sharing agreement," has resulted in supporters from both sides lobbying for their respective leaders' claims to Karnataka's top position.