‘Elected for Five Years’: CM Siddaramaiah Dismisses Leadership Change Buzz In Karnataka

New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday firmly rejected speculation over a possible leadership change in the state, reiterating that there is “no change in the Chief Minister’s face”.

Speaking on the floor of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in Belagavi on the last day of the session, Siddaramaiah dismissed claims of any “two-and-a-half-year” power-sharing agreement, asserting that he would continue as the Chief Minister unless the Congress high command decided otherwise.

Responding to repeated interruptions from the Opposition over his tenure, Siddaramaiah said there was no such arrangement and underlined that he was elected for a full five-year term.

“I am the Chief Minister. I will continue till the high command orders. I have been elected for five years,” he said.

Explaining the Congress party’s leadership process, Siddaramaiah said, “First, the people bless us. Then the legislators elect the leader in the Legislative Party meeting and after that the high command decides. That is all I have said. Even now, I am the Chief Minister and will remain so until the high command decides otherwise.”

During a heated exchange, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka questioned Siddaramaiah over the alleged power-sharing formula. “You were elected for five years by the Legislative Party. What about two-and-a-half years?” R Ashok asked.

To this, Siddaramaiah responded, “I never said anything about two-and-a-half years. There is no such agreement.”

The Chief Minister also asserted that the Congress high command was in his favour, seeking to put an end to the ongoing political speculation.

“I am the only Chief Minister now,” Siddaramaiah said, making it clear that there is no question of an alternative leadership in Karnataka at present.

His remarks come amid renewed buzz over internal discussions and power tussle within the ruling Congress, which the Chief Minister has repeatedly denied.

What Led To The Power Tussle In Karnataka?

The Congress won the Karnataka Assembly elections of 2023 with a thumping majority. Following the win, a rumoured ‘power-sharing' agreement was reached between Congress leaders DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. It is reported that the agreement was finalised at Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's residence.

According to the agreement, Siddaramaiah was to be the Chief Minister of Karnataka for the first 2.5 years of the tenure won in the elections. Siddaramaiah had reportedly agreed to resign one week before completing the 2.5 years, paving the way for DK Shivakumar to take over the CM's post for the remainder time.

The power tussle began since the 2.5 years mark was reached on November 20.

Shivakumar's Cryptic Post

Purportedly taking a dig at the Congress high command, Shivakumar had last month (November 27) shared a post on X, reading, “Keeping one's word is the greatest strength in the world!”

The post further read, “Word power is World Power. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word…Be it a judge, president or anyone else, including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power. Those standing at the back don't know the value of the chair. What value and significance the chair holds.”

However, the Deputy Chief Minister had said a day before that the Congress is united and is focused on upcoming elections.