CM by rotation? Siddaramaiah hints at deal, says it’s party’s call

BENGALURU: Amid growing speculation about a possible leadership change in Karnataka, chief minister Siddaramaiah Thursday indicated for the first time an arrangement between him and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, to take turns as CM.
“Ultimately, high command will take a decision (on leadership change) or regarding everything,” he told reporters in response to a question on leadership change.
This signals a significant shift from Siddaramaiah’s statements so far, where he had doubled down on completing a five-year tenure. Shivakumar had recently said he would “perform his duty”; any decision on leadership rests with the party.
DKS, Jarkiholi backers ‘pray’ for CMship
Siddaramaiah’s statement Thursday stems from a 50-50 power-sharing formula that was widely talked about soon after Congress scored a big win in 2023 assembly polls. At that time, Shivakumar had pushed for the chief minister’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 respective candidates to secure the chief ministership.
About the feud between the camps, Siddaramaiah said, “Ultimately high command will take a call.” He also addressed BJP’s allegations of misuse of funds allocated for SC/ST welfare programmes.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra had accused Congress govt of misappropriating funds and failing to address concerns of these communities. The CM dismissed the charges as “politically motivated”.