Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar (R) NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reacted in a guarded tone to the growing buzz around a possible leadership change in the state Congress government and the ongoing power tussle with his deputy DK Shivakumar.Responding to questions on the speculation, Siddaramaiah said, “I will speak about it tomorrow,” news agencies quoted him as saying. Watch Siddaramaiah Likely To Step Down As Karnataka CM Amid Congress Leadership Transition BuzzThe leadership debate within the Karnataka Congress has been brewing for months, with repeated speculation over a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.According to sources quoted by PTI on Tuesday, the Congress leadership has offered Siddaramaiah a larger national role and a Rajya Sabha seat, paving the way for DK Shivakumar to take over as chief minister for the remainder of the term.However, Siddaramaiah has not accepted the proposal yet, the report said.Meanwhile, Karnataka home minister also said that no one is aware of the discussions held during CM Siddaramaiah’s recent meeting with Congress high command in Delhi, adding that AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala’s visit to Bengaluru is expected to bring clarity amid ongoing speculations.The Congress leadership also reportedly held day-long discussions with both Karnataka leaders in an attempt to resolve the prolonged tussle over the chief minister’s post. Despite the speculation, the party officially denied that any leadership change was discussed during the meeting.Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah was seen paying floral tributes to country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary.BJP targets Congress over Karnataka power struggleFormer Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader Basavaraj S Bommai attacked the Congress over the reported leadership crisis in the state. Referring to the possible removal of Siddaramaiah, he said, “Whenever a chief minister is removed, it has an effect. If an OBC leader is removed, the OBC people will be unhappy. This will create a lot of problems for the Congress in the 2028 assembly elections.”He also criticised the Congress government’s administration and questioned whether a leadership change would improve governance. “The Administration in Karnataka has collapsed. No development work is being done. The people are suffering. I don’t think DK Shivakumar has a magic wand to change this. The deterioration which started at the time of Siddaramaiah will continue with Shivakumar. By the end of their term, the govt will be in shambles, and the State will be in a poor condition.”“We have been raising this issue, but there are a lot of power-hungry people in Congress who are not bothered about what the Opposition or the people say. This is why they (Congress) will pay the price in the next elections.”The Congress leadership has intervened several times since the formation of the Karnataka government in 2023 to manage tensions between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly claimed that a rotational chief ministership arrangement was agreed upon at the time of government formation, although the Congress high command has never publicly confirmed such a formula.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Should I Quit Or Try Again?’: UPSC Aspirants React After Unpredictable Prelims 2026 PaperSiddaramaiah Likely To Step Down As Karnataka CM Amid Congress Leadership Transition BuzzKarnataka CM Change Buzz Grows After Rahul–Sidda Meeting, Offers RS Berth To CM SiddaramaiahPolitical Storm In Bengal After FIR Against Mamata Over ‘Dirty Religion’ RemarkBJP Alleges Major Rift In TMC, Says 20 MPs Are In Touch With Saffron Camp‘Unwarranted References’: India Blasts China, Pakistan Over Jammu-Kashmir RemarksTamil Nadu Vs Karnataka: Vijay Urges PM Modi To Reject Mekedatu Dam Proposal Ahead Of Delhi VisitHoney Singh Joins BJP Punjab Campaign Against Drugs, Meets Tarun ChughSuvendu Adhikari Calls For Fast Deportation Of Alleged Illegal Bangladeshi Infiltrators In BengalCongress Denies Karnataka CM Post Tussle After Siddaramaiah-DK Shivakumar Delhi Meeting123PhotostoriesAB de Villiers’, aka ‘Mr. 360’, multi-crore mansion in South Africa is defined by classy glass interiors, open spaces, and cricket memoriesAnanya Pandey’s home channelises the ‘dream girl’ home energy with a modern twist: 5 art inspirations to stealBorn on a Sunday? What it reveals about your personality, money, love and futureWhy some birds decorate their nests with snake skin: The reason is brilliantRanveer Singh, Helena Bonham Carter, Johnny Depp: Actors’ exits from films and web series that sparked controversy5 most beautiful rabbit breeds in the world you’ll instantly fall in love withT. Rex vs Spinosaurus: Who was the true king of the dinosaurs?The problem-solver, the diplomat, the visionary: Which workplace personality are you?Children who feel heard at home usually grow up differently in these 7 waysHeat waves are not just making you tired: They could be damaging your heart too, doctor warns123Hot PicksDelhi Gymkhana ClubByju RaveendranMira Road protestCBSE answer sheet rowKerala DHSE Plus One result 2026Iran US TalksArshdeep SinghTop TrendingByju’s founder RaveendranBank holiday todayKTET December result 2026Delhi temperatureRed BalloonBengaluru Ebola CasePune curfewIndia-Canada DealLargest stock marketIndian Rupee
Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar (R)
NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday reacted in a guarded tone to the growing buzz around a possible leadership change in the state Congress government and the ongoing power tussle with his deputy DK Shivakumar.Responding to questions on the speculation, Siddaramaiah said, “I will speak about it tomorrow,” news agencies quoted him as saying.The leadership debate within the Karnataka Congress has been brewing for months, with repeated speculation over a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.According to sources quoted by PTI on Tuesday, the Congress leadership has offered Siddaramaiah a larger national role and a Rajya Sabha seat, paving the way for DK Shivakumar to take over as chief minister for the remainder of the term.However, Siddaramaiah has not accepted the proposal yet, the report said.Meanwhile, Karnataka home minister also said that no one is aware of the discussions held during CM Siddaramaiah’s recent meeting with Congress high command in Delhi, adding that AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala’s visit to Bengaluru is expected to bring clarity amid ongoing speculations.The Congress leadership also reportedly held day-long discussions with both Karnataka leaders in an attempt to resolve the prolonged tussle over the chief minister’s post. Despite the speculation, the party officially denied that any leadership change was discussed during the meeting.Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah was seen paying floral tributes to country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on his death anniversary.
BJP targets Congress over Karnataka power struggle
Former Karnataka chief minister and BJP leader Basavaraj S Bommai attacked the Congress over the reported leadership crisis in the state. Referring to the possible removal of Siddaramaiah, he said, “Whenever a chief minister is removed, it has an effect. If an OBC leader is removed, the OBC people will be unhappy. This will create a lot of problems for the Congress in the 2028 assembly elections.”He also criticised the Congress government’s administration and questioned whether a leadership change would improve governance. “The Administration in Karnataka has collapsed. No development work is being done. The people are suffering. I don’t think DK Shivakumar has a magic wand to change this. The deterioration which started at the time of Siddaramaiah will continue with Shivakumar. By the end of their term, the govt will be in shambles, and the State will be in a poor condition.”“We have been raising this issue, but there are a lot of power-hungry people in Congress who are not bothered about what the Opposition or the people say. This is why they (Congress) will pay the price in the next elections.”The Congress leadership has intervened several times since the formation of the Karnataka government in 2023 to manage tensions between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar. Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly claimed that a rotational chief ministership arrangement was agreed upon at the time of government formation, although the Congress high command has never publicly confirmed such a formula.
