New Chief Minister For Karnataka? Here's What Siddaramaiah Disclosed

Days after a Vokkaliga seer advocated for DK Shivakumar to become the new chief minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah stated he would abide by the Congress high command's decision on the issue of leadership change.

Responding to questions about reports of a political tussle within the ruling Congress, which had fueled speculation of a potential leadership shift, Siddaramaiah said, "It is not a matter to be discussed in public. Whatever decision the high command takes, we will go by it."

When asked about the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Mutt seer Chandrashekhara Swami's appeal, Siddaramaiah commented, "I don't want to comment on what Swamiji says. Ours is a national party. There is a high command."

Amid reports of disagreement within the party, Shivakumar warned leaders not to issue public statements on the matter of leadership change and the creation of multiple posts of deputy chief minister. "If anyone crosses the limit, the party will take a decision," Shivakumar said.

Some ministers perceived to be close to Siddaramaiah have demanded the creation of more deputy chief minister posts and their allocation to leaders from Lingayat, SC, ST, and minority communities. Currently, Shivakumar, a member of the Vokkaliga community, is the only deputy chief minister in Siddaramaiah's government.

Following the assembly election results in May last year, there was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the chief minister's post. The Congress persuaded DK Shivakumar to accept the role of deputy chief minister, allowing Siddaramaiah to assume the top post again.

Reports at the time suggested a "rotational chief minister formula" compromise, in which Shivakumar would become CM after two and a half years. However, this has not been officially confirmed by the party.