‘No vacancy for CM post in Karnataka’: Siddaramaiah denies leadership change talks
Bengaluru/New Delhi, July 10, 2025 — Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has strongly denied any talk of a leadership change. He declared there is “no vacancy” for the Chief Minister’s post in the state. His bold statement comes amid rising speculation that the Congress might replace him with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as part of a power-sharing plan.
Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Siddaramaiah said, “I am the Chief Minister. I am sitting here. There is no vacancy in Karnataka for the CM post.” He made it clear that no leadership change is on the table.
The Background: Power-Sharing Deal Rumours
For months, political circles have buzzed with talk of a 50-50 power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. The plan allegedly promised Siddaramaiah the first half of the five-year term, with Shivakumar taking over for the second half.
Siddaramaiah dismissed the idea. “There is no such formula. No one made such a deal. The high command decides leadership, not the media or any individual,” he stated.
Shivakumar also denied the rumours. After meeting Priyanka Gandhi in Delhi, he said, “There is no discussion about a change. We are working for the people, not playing power games.”
Delhi Meetings Stir Speculation
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar recently met Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi. Official sources called these meetings “routine,” but their timing raised eyebrows.
Insiders say the Congress leadership reminded both men to focus on governance and avoid party infighting. The party wants stability before the 2026 general elections.
BJP Responds: “Congress Is Divided”
The BJP quickly seized the moment. Party leader B. Sriramulu claimed Shivakumar enjoys support from more than 100 Congress MLAs. He alleged the Congress planned to remove Siddaramaiah soon.
“Congress can’t hide their internal conflict. DK Shivakumar was promised the CM post, and now they’re stalling,” Sriramulu said during a press briefing.
Congress leaders fired back. They dismissed the BJP’s remarks and accused the party of spreading lies to distract from its own troubles.
The Political Numbers
The Congress won 135 out of 224 seats in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election. The party defeated the BJP with a strong and unified campaign.
Siddaramaiah led the government with mass appeal and experience. Shivakumar, as Deputy CM and KPCC president, brought organizational strength and funding.
The two leaders worked together, but recent whispers suggest tension. Shivakumar’s supporters claim he deserves a turn as CM. Siddaramaiah’s camp insists there was no such agreement.
Experts Weigh In
Political analyst Prof. R. Chandrasekhar believes Siddaramaiah’s bold statement sends a message to both Delhi and Shivakumar.
“He’s asserting control. He’s telling everyone he’s not going to step aside without a clear decision from the high command,” Chandrasekhar said.
Analysts also believe Congress wants to avoid instability before national elections. A leadership shuffle now could weaken their image.
Looking Ahead
Right now, Siddaramaiah remains in charge. Shivakumar appears to be supporting him. Whether that unity holds is unclear.
The Congress wants to keep Karnataka calm and focused. Any internal fight could hurt their national plans.
Siddaramaiah may have stopped the rumours for now. But political ambition doesn’t fade. The next two years could still bring surprises.
Conclusion:
Siddaramaiah says there is “no vacancy” for a new Chief Minister. Shivakumar agrees, at least for now. But in politics, silence often hides strategy. Karnataka might see more drama before the next election.
