Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday voiced strong confidence in completing his full five-year term in office, even as he acknowledged that the final decision rests with the Congress party's high command. This statement comes amid ongoing speculation about a potential leadership change in the state.
Deputy CM's Response and Record Milestone
Reacting to the Chief Minister's remarks, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar extended his best wishes. "Let good things happen. I wish him all the best. Good luck," Shivakumar stated, as reported by PTI. He firmly dismissed any notion of internal party confusion regarding the statement, suggesting it was a media creation.
Shivakumar also took the opportunity to congratulate Siddaramaiah on matching a significant political record. As of Tuesday, Siddaramaiah has completed 2,792 days in office during his second term, equalling the record set by former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs as Karnataka's longest-serving CM. He is poised to surpass this record on January 7.
Background of Speculation and Power Dynamics
The political discourse around a possible leadership shift gained momentum after the Congress government in Karnataka reached the halfway point of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculations are rooted in discussions from 2023 about a potential power-sharing arrangement between the two senior Congress leaders at the time of the government's formation.
Despite the public display of camaraderie, the underlying narrative of a power tussle within the ruling party continues to be a point of discussion in political circles. Shivakumar, while wishing the Chief Minister success, added, "I wish him success. May God bless him. I pray that God gives him good health and the opportunity to serve the people."
What Lies Ahead for Karnataka Congress?
The public statements from both top leaders highlight the delicate balance within the state's Congress leadership. While Siddaramaiah asserts his confidence in a full term, the explicit reference to the high command's authority keeps the decision-making process open-ended. The coming months will be crucial in observing whether the current arrangement continues or if the speculated leadership change materializes, shaping the political trajectory of Karnataka.
