Bengaluru, Karnataka – A fresh wave of speculation has swept through Karnataka's political landscape, with a state minister openly advocating for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to succeed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. This comes amidst persistent rumors of a power-sharing agreement between the two leaders, often referred to as the "November Revolution" within political circles.

The minister's statement, made on [Date not found in the provided search results], has reignited the debate surrounding a potential leadership change as the Congress government approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term. While the Congress party has not officially confirmed any power-sharing arrangement, reports have suggested that Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister after two and a half years.

D.K. Shivakumar himself has attempted to downplay the speculation, emphasizing the unity within the state government and dismissing the significance of voices other than his and the Chief Minister's. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Shivakumar asserted that the government's focus remains on governance and development, not on rumors of leadership changes. He highlighted his strong coordination with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, attributing the Congress party's success in the 2023 elections to their unified front. "Only what the Chief Minister and I have spoken matters. Apart from that, no one else's words carry any value," Shivakumar stated.

However, the undercurrents of potential discord have been visible. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has, at times, appeared irritated by questions regarding Shivakumar's possible succession. In one instance, Siddaramaiah snapped at reporters asking about a specific date in November for Shivakumar to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister. Similarly, a past event in Mysuru saw Siddaramaiah becoming agitated when asked to acknowledge his deputy, fueling speculation of a rift between the two leaders.

Adding another layer to the political dynamics, D.K. Suresh, D.K. Shivakumar's brother and a former Congress MP, has publicly expressed his desire to see his brother become Chief Minister. While he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the party, his statement has further amplified the ongoing discussion about a change in leadership.

Amidst these developments, demands for a Dalit Chief Minister have also emerged. Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, a Siddaramaiah loyalist, has stated that the Congress high command may be considering this option if a change in leadership does occur. This adds a further dimension to the already complex political landscape of Karnataka.

As the "November Revolution" draws closer, all eyes remain on the Congress high command and the actions of Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The coming weeks will likely be crucial in determining the future leadership of Karnataka and the direction of the state's political trajectory.