Karnataka – DK Shivakumar Cautions Party Over CM Speculation Remarks
Karnataka – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday urged party colleagues to refrain from making public remarks about the chief minister’s position, warning that such statements could harm the Congress at a crucial time.
He was responding to comments made by Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who recently expressed support for his father, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to continue in office for the remainder of the government’s term. Shivakumar said personal endorsements and counter-statements were creating unnecessary distractions within the party.
Shivakumar Leaves for AICC Meeting in Delhi
Amid growing speculation about internal discussions over leadership in the Karnataka Congress, Shivakumar departed for New Delhi to attend a scheduled meeting of the All India Congress Committee. He clarified that his visit was related to party matters concerning upcoming state elections.
Speaking to reporters before leaving, Shivakumar said he had been called by the AICC to discuss political preparations, as election dates are expected to be announced soon. He dismissed suggestions that the visit was linked to any leadership dispute.
“There is no confusion,” he said, adding that comments made either in his favour or against any MLA or minister only weaken the party’s collective image. He also noted that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had advised party leaders not to make public statements about the issue.
Remarks Spark Fresh Debate Within Party
The controversy began last week when Yathindra Siddaramaiah reportedly stated that the party high command had indicated Siddaramaiah would remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term. His remarks triggered reactions from several Congress leaders in the state.
Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain responded by claiming that a significant number of party legislators had expressed support for Shivakumar’s name for the chief minister’s post. According to him, around 80 to 90 MLAs had conveyed their views to the party leadership.
Hussain stressed that the final decision rests with the high command and urged party members to maintain discipline. He criticized repeated public statements supporting individual leaders, saying they create discomfort for the central leadership and distract from governance.
Call for Party Discipline
Iqbal Hussain emphasized that while personal loyalties are natural, political decisions must be handled responsibly. He said that Congress is a disciplined organization and leaders must conduct themselves accordingly.
He added that repeatedly speaking in favour of a family member holding office was not appropriate in a party framework and could be perceived as pressuring the high command. According to him, internal discussions should remain within party forums rather than being aired publicly.
Congress MLC Channaraj Hattiholi also weighed in, expressing his personal wish to see Shivakumar take over as Chief Minister during the current tenure. His statement further fueled conversations around the party’s future leadership.
Leadership Discussions Since Midterm Mark
Talk of a possible leadership change within the Karnataka Congress gained momentum in November 2025, when the state government completed half of its five-year term. Alongside Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, Home Minister G Parameshwara has also been mentioned in political circles as a potential contender for the top post.
However, the party leadership has not made any official announcement regarding a change in chief ministership. Senior leaders have repeatedly maintained that governance and development remain their priority.
Shivakumar, addressing questions about his meeting with the Congress high command, avoided engaging directly with speculation. He said his focus remains on public service and solving people’s problems, which he described as his primary responsibility.
As discussions continue within party ranks, the Congress leadership in Karnataka appears keen to project unity ahead of upcoming electoral challenges. Whether the high command will address the matter formally remains to be seen, but for now, senior leaders are urging restraint and cohesion.