On the concluding day of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session held in Belagavi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly dismissed speculation about any two-and-a-half-year power-sharing formula and made it clear that he continues to hold the office of Chief Minister. Speaking on the floor of the House, he categorically denied the existence of any such agreement and stated that his tenure would continue until the Congress high command takes a decision to the contrary.
Addressing repeated questions and interruptions from Opposition members regarding the duration of his term, Siddaramaiah clarified that there was no fixed time frame attached to his position. He emphasised that leadership decisions in the Congress follow a defined process and are not based on informal arrangements or rumours circulating in political circles.
Explaining the process, Siddaramaiah said that the mandate begins with the people’s support, followed by the election of a leader in the Congress Legislative Party meeting, after which the party high command takes the final call. He reiterated that this had always been his position and added that, as of now, he remains the Chief Minister and will continue in the role until the party leadership decides otherwise.
Leader of the Opposition R Ashok challenged Siddaramaiah’s remarks, stating that the Chief Minister had been elected by the Legislative Party for a full five-year term. He questioned why references to a two-and-a-half-year period had emerged if no such arrangement existed.
In response, Siddaramaiah reiterated that he had never spoken about serving for only two-and-a-half years and once again rejected claims of any power-sharing deal. He maintained that the narrative around a split term was unfounded and not based on any formal understanding.
Meanwhile, political activity continued outside the Assembly as well, with what is being described as “dinner politics” unfolding in Belagavi on the final day of the session. This comes amid ongoing speculation and internal discussions within the Congress over leadership dynamics between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Senior Congress leader and Minister Satish Jarkiholi hosted a dinner at his residence in Kuvempu Nagar, which was attended by leaders perceived to be aligned with Siddaramaiah. Those present included the Chief Minister himself, Home Minister G Parameshwara, Ministers HC Mahadevappa and Zameer Ahmed Khan, MLA Ponnanna, and several other legislators. Siddaramaiah and Mahadevappa arrived together in the same vehicle, a gesture that was widely seen as signalling unity and coordination within the Chief Minister’s camp.
When asked about the dinner meeting, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar played down its significance. He said there was nothing wrong with leaders meeting over dinner and added that such gatherings did not require a response from him, stating that he was unbothered by the development.
These developments come against the backdrop of continued speculation about a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, an issue that has remained in focus since the Congress leadership worked out a formula during the formation of the government in Karnataka.
