“I’m Not Going Anywhere”: Siddaramaiah Shuts Down Leadership Change Rumours in Karnataka
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has put to rest all speculation surrounding a possible mid-term leadership change, making it clear that he has no plans to step down. In a no-nonsense statement to India Today TV, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed that he will complete his full five-year term.
“I will be Chief Minister for five years,” he said bluntly. “I already made this clear on July 2 in the presence of Mr DK Shivakumar. That hasn’t changed.”
His remarks come amid swirling rumours of pressure from the Congress high command to make way for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has long been seen as a contender for the top job.
🔁 "Kursi Abhi Khali Nahi Hai"
Siddaramaiah didn’t shy away from acknowledging DK Shivakumar’s ambitions either — but with a touch of wit and firmness.
“He is also an aspirant. There’s nothing wrong with that. Even he has said, ‘kursi abhi khali nahi hai’,” Siddaramaiah quipped.
He dismissed the idea that there had ever been a formal power-sharing deal with a two-and-a-half-year rotation. “That was never agreed upon. The high command only said that whatever decision they take, we will have to abide by it. That applies to me, and to DK Shivakumar as well,” he said, citing Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s earlier clarification.
💸 “No Dearth of Money”
Facing criticism over the state’s financial health, Siddaramaiah was firm in his response: the government is not bankrupt.
“There is no dearth of money. We have enough to implement our guarantees. One or two specific cases might exist, but that doesn’t mean the state is in a crisis,” he said.
He also clarified that most demands from MLAs are for special grants, not regular budgetary provisions — hence the confusion.
🕵️ “ED Being Used to Target Congress”
In a sharp attack on the Centre, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP-led Union government of weaponising investigative agencies to intimidate Congress leaders.
“Why are only Congress leaders being targeted? My own premises and those of Ministers have been raided. Even our Home Minister Parameshwara’s college was searched by the ED,” he said, calling the pattern deliberate and politically motivated.
🏟️ Stampede Tragedy: “Yes, We Bear Some Responsibility”
On the June 4 stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed 11 lives, Siddaramaiah admitted that the government does share some of the blame — particularly in terms of police preparation.
“RCB and the KSCA requested a function near Vidhana Soudha. I permitted it. The stampede happened before I arrived. I wasn’t informed at the time,” he explained. “That’s why senior officers have been suspended. There should have been better bandobast.”
🗳️ BJP’s ‘60% Corruption’ Claim? “Pure Political Drama”
Responding to the BJP’s attack that the state contractors’ association has now accused the Congress government of 60% corruption, Siddaramaiah called it an act of political desperation.
“It’s just a political statement. When we said the BJP ran a 40% commission government, it was the contractors’ association — led by Kempanna — who made that claim, not us. They have made no such allegation against us now.”
🗺️ Eyes on 2028
Firmly shutting down any talk of early retirement or a leadership shuffle, Siddaramaiah ended on a confident note about his political future:
“I will lead the Congress in the 2028 elections. The people are not angry with this government. There is no anti-incumbency. We will be back.”
