Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has downplayed recent claims made by Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna regarding potential "major political shifts" within the state government. Siddaramaiah urged the public and media to disregard Rajanna's statements, asserting that there is no internal dispute within the Congress party.
Rajanna's remarks, made on Thursday, June 26, 2025, had stirred speculation about possible changes in the state's political landscape after September. He hinted at a "revolution" and suggested that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was not the same as he was during his previous term from 2013 to 2018, implying that Siddaramaiah is now governing under pressure due to multiple power centers within the party. Rajanna also stated that unlike his previous tenure as CM where he was the only power center, now there are "many power centres" apparently referring to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and the party high command in Delhi, in addition to himself.
Siddaramaiah, however, refuted these claims, stating that Rajanna only mentioned that there may be developments, but did not specify any particular outcome. He questioned the media for assuming and reporting on things that Rajanna did not explicitly say. "It's better to ignore these statements," Siddaramaiah said.
The Chief Minister's response comes amidst growing unease within the Congress party, with several legislators publicly criticizing the government over issues such as delays in developmental work, stalled fund releases, and corruption allegations in public housing allotments. Some MLAs have even hinted at resigning, accusing the administration of collapsing due to inefficiency and lack of responsiveness.
Adding to the speculation, Rajanna had previously expressed his willingness to resign from his ministerial post and take over as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, a position currently held by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Despite the rumblings within the party, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly rejected speculation that Siddaramaiah has lost control over the state administration, dismissing it as media exaggeration. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi echoed this sentiment, stating that he does not foresee any major upheavals in the government.
However, Rajanna's comments have been interpreted by some political analysts as a message to the Congress high command against any move to unseat Siddaramaiah before he completes two-and-a-half years in office in October.
The opposition BJP has seized upon the internal strife within the Congress, with senior leaders alleging widespread corruption and predicting defections from the ruling party.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara has expressed confidence that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will engage with the disgruntled MLAs to address their grievances. He also highlighted that all MLAs have been instructed to prepare action plans for development works worth ₹50 crore in their constituencies, with funds promised even to opposition legislators.
While Siddaramaiah has attempted to project an image of unity and stability, the recent developments suggest that the Karnataka Congress is grappling with internal tensions and power struggles.
