Bengaluru, November 1, 2025 – In a strong display of solidarity, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday emphatically dismissed swirling rumors of a leadership overhaul within the state Congress government, underscoring that the party's unity remains unshaken under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's stewardship.
Speaking to reporters here, Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, quipped, "Only what the CM and I say matters. The rest are just voices in the wind." His remarks come at a time when whispers of a potential power-sharing arrangement or mid-term leadership shift have gained traction in political circles, fueled by the government's ongoing tussles with coalition dynamics and internal factionalism.
The Deputy CM attributed the Congress's resounding victory in the 2023 Assembly elections—securing 136 seats—to the "unwavering unity" between him and Siddaramaiah, a partnership he described as the bedrock of the government's stability. "We won because we stood together. Any talk of change is baseless speculation aimed at creating discord," Shivakumar asserted, urging party workers to focus on governance rather than gossip.
The speculation has been simmering since early October, with reports suggesting that the Congress high command might intervene to address perceived imbalances in the power-sharing formula between the two senior leaders. Siddaramaiah, who assumed office in May 2023 after a protracted internal battle, has faced questions over his tenure's longevity, especially with the upcoming bypolls and local body elections on the horizon. However, both leaders have repeatedly downplayed these concerns in recent weeks.
On October 27, Shivakumar had similarly brushed aside rumors, declaring Siddaramaiah's word as "final" on any leadership matters. Echoing this sentiment, the Chief Minister himself dismissed change talks as early as October 6 during a public event in Koppal, pointing fingers at the opposition's attempts to destabilize the administration.
Adding to the chorus of support, Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, the in-charge minister for Udupi district, reaffirmed her "unwavering loyalty" to the party's leadership, stating that such unity is essential for delivering on the government's welfare promises. Home Minister G. Parameshwara has also emphasized that no fixed timeline was set for Siddaramaiah's term, leaving decisions to the high command.
Sources within the party indicate that clarity on the leadership issue could emerge by the end of November, with Shivakumar slated to meet Congress brass in New Delhi on November 11—the same day as polling for the Jubilee Hills bypoll in neighboring Telangana. This visit is seen as a strategic move to align state priorities with national directives ahead of the 2026 local polls.
Despite the internal reassurances, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized on the rumors to launch fresh attacks, accusing the Congress of "dynastic infighting" and governance paralysis. Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra recently claimed that the state's development is stalled by "ego clashes" between the top duo.
As the Congress government marks over two years in power, Shivakumar's latest intervention appears to have temporarily doused the flames of speculation. With key legislative sessions and budget preparations underway, the focus now shifts to substantive policy delivery, including irrigation projects and urban development initiatives that have been the government's flagship promises.
Political analysts view this episode as a routine test of the Congress's coalition management skills in a diverse state like Karnataka. "Unity statements like these are par for the course in Indian politics, but Shivakumar's firm tone signals confidence in navigating the high command's eventual verdict," observed Dr. Muzaffar Assadi, a political science professor at the University of Mysore.
The coming weeks will be crucial as the party balances internal harmony with external pressures from a resurgent opposition. For now, the message from Bengaluru is clear: the Karnataka Congress is united, and any change remains firmly off the table.
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