Bengaluru, October 2, 2025 – In a bid to quell mounting internal discord within the Karnataka Congress, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday issued a stern warning to party leaders against indulging in public speculation over a potential change in the state's Chief Ministership. Addressing the renewed buzz triggered by recent comments from a Congress MLA, Shivakumar directed the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) to issue notices to errant members, underscoring the need for unity and adherence to the party's high command directives.
The admonition comes at a sensitive juncture for the Congress-led government in Karnataka, less than two years into its term following the party's decisive victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. Shivakumar, a key architect of that win and a long-time rival-turned-ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, emphasized collaborative governance over personal ambitions. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he stated unequivocally, "No one should say anything related to the CM post." He further clarified, "No need to discuss the CM post sharing. CM and I are working together. We are following the guidelines of the high command."
This firm stance was a direct response to remarks by Congress MLA HD Ranganath from Malavalli constituency, who reignited the debate earlier this week by publicly endorsing Shivakumar as the next Chief Minister. Ranganath, a vocal supporter of the Deputy CM, described him as a "rising star" and a "pan-India leader," crediting Shivakumar's organizational prowess for the party's electoral successes. "He brought very good results in elections for the Congress party," Ranganath said, adding, "I have not seen any other leader give that kind of commitment to the party... He has always stood with the Congress party." The MLA went on to express his personal aspiration: "We all believe that Shivakumar would become Chief Minister. This is the information I have."
Shivakumar's directive to KPCC Working President GC Chandrashekar was unambiguous: "I have instructed our working president, GC Chandrashekar, to give notice to them." He dismissed external provocations, particularly from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), remarking, "We don't need to react to what the BJP says. Let them say what they want to say." This move signals a proactive effort to enforce party discipline, especially as the Congress grapples with whispers of discontent amid ongoing governance challenges like drought management, infrastructure delays, and upcoming local body elections.
The roots of this speculation trace back to the high-stakes post-election negotiations in May 2023, when both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah vied for the top job after Congress secured 135 seats in the 224-member Assembly. Siddaramaiah, a veteran leader with two prior stints as CM, emerged victorious following intense deliberations with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) high command. Media reports at the time hinted at a gentleman's agreement for a rotational Chief Ministership—potentially with Shivakumar taking over midway through the term—but the party leadership has consistently refuted such claims. Siddaramaiah himself addressed the rumors head-on during the ongoing Mysuru Dasara celebrations on Wednesday, vowing to serve his "full five-year term" and dismissing any immediate leadership shuffle.
Despite Shivakumar's public loyalty, the episode highlights simmering tensions within the party's state unit. Ranganath's comments, which followed similar endorsements from other MLAs in recent weeks, have been interpreted by observers as a subtle push for Shivakumar's elevation, possibly timed to coincide with the high command's review of state leadership ahead of the 2028 polls. Party insiders note that Shivakumar's robust performance as KPCC president during the 2023 campaign—where he mobilized over 50,000 workers and focused on grassroots outreach—has bolstered his stature, making him a frontrunner in succession talks.
Reactions within the Congress have been mixed. While senior leaders like Home Minister G Parameshwara have echoed the call for restraint, urging members to "avoid unnecessary controversies," the BJP has seized the opportunity to mock the ruling party's internal rifts. State BJP president BY Vijayendra quipped on social media, "Congress's unity is as fragile as their promises—leadership musical chairs already in play?" Meanwhile, Shivakumar's supporters view the warning as a strategic assertion of his influence, demonstrating his ability to rein in the flock without alienating allies.
As Karnataka observes Gandhi Jayanti today, a day symbolizing non-violence and unity, Shivakumar's intervention serves as a reminder of the delicate balancing act required to sustain the Congress's hold on power in the southern state. With the high command reportedly monitoring the situation closely—potentially dispatching AICC observers for a fact-finding visit—the focus now shifts to whether this admonition will silence the speculation or merely fan the flames further. For now, the Deputy CM's message is clear: prioritize governance over gossip, and let the high command decide the future.
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