BENGALURU: Amid growing speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah Thursday, for the first time, acknowledged the existence of a power-sharing arrangement between him and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, and said a final decision on any change lies with the Congress high command.
The comment signals a significant shift from Siddaramaiah’s previous statements, where he had doubled down on completing the five-year tenure as CM, while spiking any talk of a power-sharing deal with Shivakumar. Shivakumar had recently said he would “perform his duty”, with any decision on leadership resting with the party.
Siddaramaiah’s Thursday statement stems from a reported 50:50 power-sharing formula which emerged soon after Congress scored a big win in the 2023 assembly polls. At that time, Shivakumar had pushed for the CM’s post, prompting the party to intervene and reportedly propose a 30-month power-sharing arrangement.
Siddaramaiah is set to complete 30 months in office by year-end. Supporters of two front-runners — Shivakumar and public works minister Satish Jarkiholi – have been organising special rituals in temples to pray for their leader to secure the CM’s position.
About the feud between the camps, Siddaramaiah said, “Ultimately, the high command will make a decision.”
Siddaramaiah also addressed BJP’s allegations of misuse of funds allocated for SC/ST welfare programmes. BJP state president BY Vijayendra had accused the Congress govt of misappropriating funds and failing to address concerns of these communities. The CM dismissed the charges as “politically motivated” and rejected claims of neglecting SC/ST communities.
