‘Whatever high command decides’: CM Siddaramaiah on leadership row in state

BELAGAVI: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reacting to the alleged tussle over the Chief Minister’s post between him and D K Shivakumar, said they will abide by whatever decision is taken by the Congress high command in Delhi. “Whatever the High Command decides, that is what will happen,” Siddaramiah said on Wednesday.

During his visit to Belagavi, the Chief Minister stated that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi about tur dal and noted that there had been no discussion on the guarantee schemes. “Yes, I have written a letter regarding tur dal. Whatever happens in the CLP meeting, is it possible to discuss it here? Can everything be told to all of you?” added Siddaramiah.

Meanwhile, the leadership tussle in Karnataka has become unstoppable, as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar continues to meet with MLAs, including Ministers H C Mahadevappa and Satish Jarkiholi, to garner support. Although Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar met twice for breakfast to reaffirm party unity and said the High Command would make a decision, the Congress Leadership has not provided any clarity to date.

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Dy CM DK Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh welcome CM Siddaramaiah at their residence. pic.twitter.com/g5f1dWMzvo

— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2025

Siddaramaiah’s silence is being seen as a sign of support from a group of senior leaders, including B K Hariprasad, Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil, Byrathi Suresh, Dinesh Gundu Rao, H C Mahadevappa, Zameer Ahmed Khan and others. However, D K Shivakumar’s continued meetings with MLAs are still keeping the confusion of ‘Leadership and CM change’ intact in karnataka.

The high command, led by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, is expected to make a decision soon. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have expressed willingness to abide by the party’s decision.

Meanwhile, speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka began on November 20, when the Siddaramaiah-led government completed half its term. Siddaramaiah has maintained that he will serve the full five-year term, citing the mandate given by the people of Karnataka and reaffirming his commitment to implementing the party’s promises, including the five guarantee schemes.

Shivakumar, however, is pushing for a leadership change, citing a “secret agreement” among senior leaders under which he would take over as Chief Minister after 2.5 years. (ANI)