Karnataka Home Minister Confirms Siddaramaiah Will Complete Full 5-Year Term as Chief Minister

A significant rivalry existed between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the position of chief minister

Tumakuru (Karnataka):

On Thursday, G Parameshwara, senior Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister, confirmed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue in his position for the complete five-year term.

He dismissed speculation about any political upheaval occurring in the state.

"Who claimed there would be a change? What you've mentioned is merely a rumor. Siddaramaiah currently serves as chief minister and will remain as CM. We all believe he will continue as CM for five years. Siddaramaiah himself has stated this," Parameshwara explained when questioned by reporters.

He further added that Siddaramaiah has personally declared his commitment to follow whatever decision the Congress high command makes.

"There won't be any kranti (revolution), everything will be Shanti (peaceful)," he emphasized.

Amid ongoing rumors about a potential change in chief minister later this year, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed on Wednesday that he intends to complete his full five-year term, noting that he has already served 2.5 years in his second term and will continue for the remaining 2.5 years.

The debate was reignited on Wednesday when Congress MLA from Kunigal H D Ranganath and former Mandya MP L R Shivarame Gowda claimed that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar would become the state's next CM. Gowda specifically mentioned November as when this transition would occur.

For some time, speculation has circulated within Karnataka's political spheres, particularly within the ruling Congress party, regarding a chief minister change later this year, citing a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

Following the announcement of Assembly election results in May 2023, intense competition existed between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister position. The Congress party eventually persuaded Shivakumar to accept the Deputy CM role.

Reports at that time suggested a compromise was reached based on a "rotational chief minister formula," whereby Shivakumar would assume the CM position after two-and-a-half years. However, the party has never officially confirmed these arrangements.