Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar responded in an indirect and guarded manner when questioned about his recent meeting with senior Congress leaders in New Delhi, remarking that “time will answer everything.” His statement has further fuelled ongoing speculation about a potential leadership reshuffle in Karnataka.
Addressing the media on Monday, Shivakumar avoided offering specific details about the discussions held during his visit to Delhi. He reiterated that he continues to enjoy the backing of all 140 Congress MLAs, including the support of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Emphasising unity within the party, he said that decisions taken by the leadership were the result of collective discussions involving the Chief Minister, Rahul Gandhi, and the party high command.
Shivakumar stressed that internal deliberations and decisions could not be shared publicly, noting that there is an appropriate time for everything. He maintained that the leadership is aware of the conversations and conclusions reached, and insisted that developments would become clear in due course, repeating that time itself would provide the answers.
These remarks come against the backdrop of persistent rumours suggesting friction within the Congress-led government in Karnataka. Despite repeated denials by the party’s central leadership, speculation about internal power dynamics has continued to surface. According to sources, Siddaramaiah had earlier sought clarity from Rahul Gandhi, expressing concern over what was described as “constant confusion” surrounding a possible power struggle. However, Shivakumar has dismissed claims that any such message was conveyed by Rahul Gandhi.
Sources have also indicated that Siddaramaiah was interested in expanding his cabinet and had requested a meeting with Rahul Gandhi amid rumours of an impending leadership change. In response to such reports, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier attempted to downplay the issue, stating clearly that there was no confusion at the level of the party’s high command. He emphasised that any internal matters should be resolved by the state leadership itself.
Kharge further cautioned party leaders against claiming individual credit for the Congress party’s electoral victory in Karnataka. He underlined that the organisation’s success was the result of sustained collective effort by party workers over many decades, rather than the achievement of any single leader.
At the heart of the leadership speculation is talk of an alleged informal understanding under which Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve as Chief Minister for two and a half years. Siddaramaiah took oath on May 20, 2023, leading to expectations that a change in leadership might occur around November last year, when the government crossed the halfway point of its term.
The Congress party has consistently rejected claims that any such power-sharing arrangement was agreed upon, reiterating that Siddaramaiah is expected to complete the full five-year tenure. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have repeatedly denied reports of internal discord, with Siddaramaiah maintaining that he enjoys the full confidence of the party leadership and dismissing suggestions of a rotational chief minister formula.
