Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly declared that he will continue as the Chief Minister for the entire five-year term, effectively putting an end to persistent power tussle speculations within the Congress state unit. His strong assertion comes amid periodic reports about Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s aspirations to take over midway, as was widely speculated after the Congress returned to power in 2023.
Siddaramaiah’s Strong Statement Ends Uncertainty
While speaking to reporters after a Congress legislative party meeting in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah stated:
“There is no confusion about my tenure. I will remain the Chief Minister for the next five years as per the party’s decision. Our priority is delivering development and welfare programmes to the people without being distracted by these baseless debates.”
His statement comes just days after media reports suggested that the party high command might consider a leadership change post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to accommodate Shivakumar’s ambition to become Chief Minister before the next assembly polls.
Background: The Two-Leader Formula
When Congress secured a decisive victory in Karnataka in May 2023, winning 135 out of 224 seats, the party formed the government with Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister and state Congress president D.K. Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister. This arrangement was seen as a balancing act to keep both powerful leaders and their factions united.
However, speculation has persisted that an informal rotational understanding existed to transfer the CM post to Shivakumar after two and a half years, similar to earlier coalition formulas in Karnataka politics.
Key Leadership Timeline in Karnataka Congress (2023-2025)
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May 2023 | Congress wins Karnataka Assembly polls | Siddaramaiah sworn in as CM; D.K. Shivakumar as Deputy CM |
| June 2023 | Cabinet expansion completed | Portfolios allocated after internal negotiations |
| Dec 2023 | First reports emerge of rotational CM formula | Congress leadership denies formal agreement |
| April 2024 | Lok Sabha polls held | Congress wins 13 of 28 seats in Karnataka |
| July 2025 | Siddaramaiah asserts full term as CM | Ends speculation over leadership change |
Major Welfare Schemes Launched Under Siddaramaiah (2023-2025)
| Scheme | Sector | Beneficiaries (in lakh) | Budget Allocation (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anna Bhagya (Free Rice) | Food Security | 78 | 9,300 |
| Gruha Lakshmi | Women Welfare | 98 | 12,000 |
| Yuva Nidhi | Unemployment Allowance | 10 | 4,500 |
| Shakti (Free Bus Travel for Women) | Transport | 95 | 4,800 |
| Ksheera Bhagya Expansion | Nutrition | 60 | 2,500 |
Source: Karnataka Budget 2025-26
Welfare Scheme Distribution by Sector
| Sector | Number of Schemes | Total Beneficiaries (in lakh) | Total Budget (₹ crore) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food & Nutrition | 2 | 138 | 11,800 |
| Women Welfare | 1 | 98 | 12,000 |
| Employment | 1 | 10 | 4,500 |
| Transport | 1 | 95 | 4,800 |
D.K. Shivakumar’s Response
When asked about Siddaramaiah’s assertion, Deputy CM Shivakumar avoided direct comment, saying:
“We are working unitedly under CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership. My priority is to ensure the Congress wins the upcoming local body elections and strengthens its organisational base.”
Despite this public statement, Shivakumar continues to hold frequent meetings with loyalist MLAs and office-bearers, keeping alive perceptions of his Chief Ministerial ambitions.
Congress High Command’s Position
According to party insiders, the Congress high command, particularly President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, prefer stability in Karnataka, which remains the party’s largest ruling state after Rajasthan’s loss in 2023. Karnataka contributes significantly to the party’s national political relevance and organisational funding.
A senior AICC general secretary said:
“Leadership change at this stage is unnecessary. Both leaders are important for the party, but Siddaramaiah’s governance and welfare focus has kept anti-incumbency under check.”
Political Analysis: Why This Statement Matters
- Internal Stability: Siddaramaiah’s categorical statement ends months of uncertainty among MLAs and prevents factional lobbying for leadership change.
- Electoral Strategy: With urban local body polls due later this year and panchayat elections in 2026, stable leadership helps Congress maintain voter confidence.
- BJP’s Strategy: BJP had been targeting Congress over perceived “two-CM policy confusion.” The clarity strengthens Congress’ narrative.
Congress Performance in Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections (2024)
| Party | Seats Won | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Congress | 13 | 44.5 |
| BJP | 14 | 45.8 |
| JD(S) | 1 | 6.1 |
Congress improved its Lok Sabha tally in Karnataka from 9 (2019) to 13 (2024), largely attributed to welfare delivery and Siddaramaiah’s strong rural voter connect.
Challenges Ahead for Siddaramaiah
- Resource Mobilisation: Funding welfare schemes while managing the state fiscal deficit.
- Faction Management: Balancing Shivakumar’s aspirations and keeping his loyalists engaged.
- Agrarian Distress: Addressing drought-affected regions in North Karnataka and farmer loan waiver demands.
- Urban Development: Expediting Bengaluru suburban rail and traffic decongestion projects.
Public Sentiment
Recent opinion polls indicate Siddaramaiah’s approval rating at 62%, the highest among Congress Chief Ministers, while Shivakumar’s popularity as an administrator stands at around 48%.
Future Outlook
The next two years will test Congress’ ability to remain united as BJP prepares to intensify efforts to regain Karnataka in the 2028 assembly elections. Political analysts suggest that while Siddaramaiah’s assertion ensures immediate stability, Shivakumar’s ambitions may re-emerge closer to the polls.
A Bengaluru-based political analyst summarised:
“Power-sharing arrangements rarely last five years unless backed by a strong central leadership. Siddaramaiah’s clarity today will stabilise the government, but managing Shivakumar’s aspirations will remain a constant undercurrent.”
Conclusion
Siddaramaiah’s clear declaration of completing his full five-year term as Karnataka’s Chief Minister marks a significant moment in the state’s political narrative. It ends months of speculation, strengthens Congress’ internal stability, and allows the party to refocus on governance and upcoming local elections. Whether this truce will remain effective till the 2028 assembly polls will define Siddaramaiah’s legacy and Congress’ future hold over South India’s most crucial state.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to rely on official government and party statements for decisions related to policies and political developments.
