Follow TNM’s WhatsApp channel for news updates and story links.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday, July 10, categorically ruled out any possibility of a leadership change or power-sharing arrangement in the state government, calling the ongoing speculation a “media creation” with no substance.
Speaking at a press conference held at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Siddaramaiah said, “Both Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar and I have reiterated that the CM’s post is not vacant. I am the Chief Minister.” He added that even Shivakumar has confirmed there is no vacancy at the top post.
“I am very much here before you. I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. That is what DK Shivakumar has said, and I am also saying it... There is no vacancy,” Siddaramaiah told reporters, adding, “I am CM for full term.”
He further underlined that the Congress high command has not initiated any discussions about leadership change. “The state Congress in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala himself has ruled out any such change. The media should not fuel baseless speculations,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that both he and his deputy remain loyal to the party’s top brass. “Both Shivakumar and I are committed to following the high command’s orders. As of now, there are no discussions on any power-sharing arrangement,” he reiterated.
Addressing reports that some Congress MLAs were pushing for Shivakumar to take over as CM, Siddaramaiah said those were “individual opinions” that do not represent the party’s stance. “A few MLAs may support Shivakumar, but the majority do not,” he stated.
Siddaramaiah also dismissed any talks of Cabinet reshuffle and said his Thursday evening meeting with Surjewala would focus on the appointment of MLCs and heads of state-run Boards and Corporations.
Notably, the Chief Minister made a strong political statement, declaring, “I will lead the party in the 2028 assembly elections as well.”
(With IANS inputs)