Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday strongly dismissed speculations over leadership change in the state. He clarified that there is no internal discussion within the party about replacing the Chief Minister, stating that there is “no vacancy for the post.”
Siddaramaiah reiterated Deputy CM Shivakumar’s earlier statement that there is no vacancy for CM. He also denied the existence of any ’50-50 formula’ for sharing the chief ministership with Shivakumar, a topic that often resurfaced in political circles since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in 2023.
What Did Siddaramaiah Say?
“There is no discussion for CM change. DK Shivkumar himself has said that there is no vacancy for CM. There is no 50-50 formula,” Siddaramaiah stated. He further asserted that the party will abide by whatever decision is taken by the high command and stressed that he currently holds the Chief Minister’s post.
“Whatever decision is taken by the high command, we will follow it. I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am sitting here. There is no vacancy for CM in Karnataka,” added Siddaramaiah.
Delhi: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, “There is no discussion for CM change. DK Shivkumar himself has said that there is no vacancy for CM. There is no 50-50 formula. Whatever decision is taken by the high command, we will follow it. I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. I am… pic.twitter.com/dNKPQcbJeo
— ANI (@ANI) July 10, 2025
His statement comes amid speculations of political upheaval in the state with rumours focusing on potential leadership changes as the Congress completes another year in power. The recent statement by him appears to be a move to put an end to the ongoing rumours and send “all is well” message.
Earlier, a leaked video of Congress MLA BR Patil had sparked a political row, which prompted reaction from Siddaramaiah, who declared that he will remain in office until the end of his tenure.
When asked if he will remain as the CM for 5 years, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had responded, “Yes, I will. Why do you have a doubt?”
He had asserted that his government will remain for five years like a rock, calling all the allegations as “lies.”
Notably, a leaked phone call featuring Patil had fuelled further speculation of internal discord within the state Congress unit. Patil made shocking revelations about Siddaramaiah in the video, which was recorded during his visit to Mandya.
He was heard saying that Siddaramaiah’s fortune were good that’s why he became the Chief Minister. The MLA asserted that it was him who had introduced him (Siddaramaiah) to the CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
“Siddaramaiah hit a lottery. I was the one who introduced him to Sonia Gandhi. His fortunes were good and he became the Chief Minister. I have no Godfather or God. I met (Randeep Singh) Surjewala and said everything I had to. They heard me out with patience, let’s see what happens,” said Patil.
Moreover, the speculation over internal strife within the state Congress unit had begun following Minister KN Rajanna’s remarks. Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna had claimed the rise of multiple power centres within the party’s state unit.
Without naming anyone, Rajanna said, “Between 2013 and 2018, there was just one power centre. Today, there are one, two, three and several power centres.”
