Siddaramaiah Rejects Rumours of Power-Sharing Deal, Affirms He Will Continue as Karnataka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah categorically denied the existence of any "two-and-a-half-year power-sharing agreement" with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, insisting that he would remain in office until the Congress high command directs otherwise.

Addressing persistent queries from the Opposition on the final day of the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Belagavi, Siddaramaiah clarified his position amid ongoing speculation about his tenure.

"The decision rests with the people first, who give us their mandate. Then the elected legislators choose their leader in the Congress Legislative Party meeting, and finally, the high command has the last word. That is all I have ever said. I am the Chief Minister today, and I will continue to be until the high command decides differently," he stated.

Responding to the CM's remarks, Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA R Ashoka challenged him, pointing out that the Congress Legislative Party had elected him for a full five-year term and questioned the reference to a 2.5-year arrangement.

Siddaramaiah firmly rebutted: "I have never mentioned anything about two-and-a-half years. No such agreement exists."

The Chief Minister had earlier in the week reaffirmed his intention to serve the complete term, declaring that the government would finish its tenure and seek re-election in 2028.

Rumours of a potential leadership switch, with DK Shivakumar possibly assuming the Chief Minister's role as early as January, had intensified recently. However, the Congress moved to quell the speculation as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar met for breakfast at each other's homes and appeared jointly before the media to emphasise unity within the party.

"We are united and will visit Delhi if the high command summons us," both leaders said after their meetings.

DK Shivakumar also brushed aside reports of a purported political dinner meeting, explaining: "There was no such dinner or any political discussion. I attended a function to honour a former DCC president and other contributors from Belagavi, along with friends. Nothing more should be read into it."

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