Recent speculation about a change in leadership in Karnataka's Congress government has been met with strong denials from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy, D.K. Shivakumar. The Chief Minister has asserted that the government will remain "as solid as a rock" for its full five-year term. Shivakumar has also publicly backed Siddaramaiah, dismissing rumors of any leadership change and emphasizing unity within the party.
The rumors gained traction after some Congress MLAs made statements about Shivakumar potentially becoming Chief Minister. Ramanagara MLA H.A. Iqbal Hussain even claimed that over 100 MLAs support Shivakumar for the top post. These claims fueled speculation about a possible power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, where they would each hold the Chief Minister's position for two and a half years. However, Shivakumar has refuted these claims and asked party leaders not to speak to the media on the issue. He has also stated that a notice will be issued to Hussain for making such statements.
Shivakumar has firmly stated that Siddaramaiah is their leader and the Chief Minister, and that they are all working together. He has also dismissed rumors of factionalism within the Congress party, emphasizing that there is only one camp: the Congress camp. Shivakumar reiterated that any decisions regarding leadership will be made by the party high command.
Adding to the chorus of dismissal, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, who was dispatched to Karnataka, has affirmed that Siddaramaiah will remain the Chief Minister, dismissing speculation of leadership change amidst perceived tensions with Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar. Minister Priyank Kharge echoed this, stating that there is no discontentment and that roles are well-defined within the party.
The Congress high command, including Mallikarjun Kharge, maintains that any leadership decision rests with them. Kharge has insisted that changing the Chief Minister is in the hands of the party high command. He also stated that the high command has the right to take further action, but no one should create problems unnecessarily.
Amidst the political drama, Siddaramaiah's government has been focusing on other policy matters. Recently, the Chief Minister stated that his government favored a two-language formula for school education, close on the heels of Maharashtra putting its three-language policy on hold.
Siddaramaiah, who was born on August 3, 1947, has had a long and distinguished political career. He is currently serving as the 22nd Chief Minister of Karnataka, a position he also held from 2013 to 2018. Shivakumar, on the other hand, is the current Deputy Chief Minister and also the state Congress President. He has been a strong supporter of Siddaramaiah and has played a key role in the party's success in Karnataka.
Despite the rumors and speculation, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have presented a united front, reassuring the public and party members that the Congress government in Karnataka is stable and focused on serving the people. They have publicly displayed unity, refuting rumors of rifts.
