'I Know When My Time Is’: DK Shivakumar Refutes Karnataka CM Bid Reports

Bengaluru, October 11, 2025 – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has dismissed recent media reports suggesting he is vying for the Chief Minister's post. Shivakumar addressed the speculation during a public interaction in Bengaluru, asserting he is not in a hurry for a promotion and is focused on serving the people of Karnataka.

"People are trying to create confusion," Shivakumar stated, expressing his commitment to the Congress party and clarifying that he had not made any statements regarding a change in leadership. He emphasized his priority is to ensure the Congress government returns to power in Karnataka in 2028.

The reports of a potential leadership change gained traction as the current Congress government approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term. Some media outlets have speculated about a "November revolution," hinting at a possible cabinet reshuffle and change in the Chief Minister's position. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has consistently reiterated that he intends to complete his full five-year term.

Shivakumar expressed displeasure with certain media channels, accusing them of "sensationalism and politics" by twisting his words and falsely claiming he stated that his time to become Chief Minister was approaching. He warned that he would not cooperate with media outlets that create false or sensational news and that he might file defamation cases against those who misrepresent his statements. "I know how to do politics without calling you," he asserted.

Tensions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have been reported since the 2023 Assembly elections, when both leaders were contenders for the Chief Minister's position. After several discussions, the Congress party appointed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, with Shivakumar as his deputy. At the time, there were reports of a potential agreement for a rotational chief ministership, though this has never been publicly confirmed by the Congress high command.

In recent months, several Congress leaders have publicly voiced their support for Shivakumar to become Chief Minister, leading to internal party tensions. In response, the Congress party issued notices to some of these leaders, emphasizing the importance of party discipline and discouraging public discussions about leadership changes.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Shivakumar has maintained that he is not focused on the Chief Minister's position at this time. He has reiterated that the issue of leadership has already been clarified by both Siddaramaiah and the party's Karnataka in-charge, Randeep Surjewala.