‘I Know My Limits’: Shivakumar Downplays Karnataka Power Struggle, Says No Rift With Siddaramaiah | Politics News

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI/File)

Amid speculation over a leadership tussle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday firmly dismissed talk of discord with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar reiterated that the Congress remained united and focused on governance and electoral preparation, not internal rivalry.

“There is no difference between me and the CM. Being the party president, I know my limits,” he said. He added that neither in words nor actions had he expressed any disagreement with Siddaramaiah. The government’s priority, he stressed, was meeting the aspirations of Karnataka’s people and devising a long-term strategy for the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.

Shivakumar also said he and the Chief Minister would soon convene an all-party meeting to discuss pressing issues concerning the state.

Breakfast meeting 

His remarks came a day after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held a one-hour breakfast meeting, intended to present a united front amid growing conjecture over a leadership change. The Congress high command had reportedly asked both leaders to maintain cohesion and avoid public statements that could be interpreted as factional signalling.

The opposition, however, mocked the attempt at harmony, calling it a “breakup par makeup” exercise, alleging that the meeting was a superficial attempt to paper over deepening internal rifts.

Leadership question heats up

Speculation about a possible change in leadership intensified on 20 November, when Siddaramaiah’s government reached its halfway point. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly stated that he intends to complete his full five-year term, pointing to the mandate given by the electorate and the commitment to fully implement the Congress’s flagship guarantee schemes.

Shivakumar, meanwhile, is said to be keen on the top post, citing what he describes as a “secret agreement” within senior party circles that the Chief Ministership would rotate after 2.5 years. While the Congress has never officially acknowledged such an arrangement, lobbying efforts by loyalists on both sides have continued behind the scenes.

Congress high command’s call expected soon

With tensions simmering beneath the surface, the final decision rests with the party leadership in Delhi. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to intervene at an appropriate time. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly declared that they will abide by whatever the high command decides. For now, the party insists that unity is intact.