Karnataka Minister Confirms Succession Plan: Shivakumar to Follow Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister After 2028

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had recently affirmed his intention to remain in office for the complete five-year term.

Karnataka Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan dismissed rumors about a "November revolution" on Sunday, stating that while Deputy CM DK Shivakumar aspires to become chief minister, Khan personally wishes that Shivakumar would succeed Siddaramaiah after he completes his five-year term in 2028.

Speculations have circulated regarding a potential chief minister change when the Congress government reaches its midterm point in November, an event some refer to as the "November revolution".

"I have clearly stated there is no Kranti (revolution). Siddaramaiah will continue as chief minister until 2028," Khan, who serves as Minister of Housing, told reporters when questioned on the matter.

Responding to mentions of Shivakumar's supporters chanting that their leader would be the next Chief Minister, Khan remarked, "It's natural for his supporters to harbor such aspirations. Shivakumar himself desires to become CM. Siddaramaiah will remain CM until 2028, and after Siddaramaiah's term concludes, Shivakumar should follow."

"He [Shivakumar] has dedicated himself to serving and working for the party. Thanks to both him and Siddaramaiah, we [Congress] currently hold 140 seats in the assembly.

"He [DKS] certainly aspires to become CM. We also wish that following Siddaramaiah's tenure, Shivakumar should assume the role of CM. Until 2028, Siddaramaiah remains CM, and afterward, Shivakumar," he added.

Discussions have persisted within Karnataka's political circles, particularly within the ruling Congress party, about a potential chief minister change later this year, citing a supposed "power-sharing" agreement between CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently stated that he would continue in his position for the full five-year term, subject to decisions from the Congress high command.

Minister Khan claimed that rumors about an imminent Chief Minister change are being fabricated by the BJP, and no such plan exists. He suggested these rumors are created to distract from factional conflicts within the BJP itself.

"Shivakumar serves as our party president. During Dasara festivities, Siddaramaiah declared he would continue as CM for five years. Shivakumar expressed agreement with this statement, and recently former MP D K Suresh [Shivakumar's brother] confirmed that Siddaramaiah will lead the party in 2028," he explained.

While acknowledging that everyone would respect decisions made by the Congress high command, Khan emphasized his personal desire for Siddaramaiah to remain CM until 2028. "The Chief Minister's position is currently occupied..."

When asked about a potential Cabinet reshuffle, Khan indicated it might happen, but the decision would ultimately come from the high command.

Intense competition existed between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's position following the Assembly election results in May 2023. The Congress party eventually convinced Shivakumar to accept the Deputy Chief Minister role.

Some reports at that time suggested a compromise based on a "rotational chief minister formula," whereby Shivakumar would become CM after two-and-a-half years, though these arrangements have never been officially confirmed by the party.

(This article is auto-generated from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by NDTV staff.)