Tumakuru, Karnataka – October 2, 2025: Amid ongoing speculation about a potential change in leadership, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reiterated his commitment to completing a full five-year term. Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara affirmed on Thursday that Siddaramaiah will remain in office for the entirety of his current term, dismissing rumors of a political upheaval.
“There won’t be any change. Siddaramaiah is currently the Chief Minister and will remain so. We all feel that he will be the CM for five years. He himself has said it,” Parameshwara said in response to queries from the media.
Siddaramaiah, who is serving his second term as Chief Minister, has previously stated that he would respect the decisions of the Congress high command. “There won’t be any kranti (revolution), everything will be Shanti (peaceful),” he emphasized, aiming to quell speculation surrounding leadership dynamics within the state.
Speculations About Leadership Change
The debate about a possible change in the Chief Minister’s position resurfaced this week when Congress MLA from Kunigal, H D Ranganath, and former Mandya MP L R Shivarame Gowda suggested that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar might take over the post by November. These statements fueled speculation about a potential power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Political observers note that the rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the top position in the state has been ongoing since the 2023 Assembly elections. While Siddaramaiah eventually secured the Chief Minister’s post, Shivakumar was appointed as Deputy Chief Minister, signaling a compromise within the party.
Some reports at the time suggested a “rotational chief minister formula,” under which Shivakumar could assume the CM position after two-and-a-half years. However, the Congress party has not officially confirmed such an arrangement. Siddaramaiah has now completed half of his five-year term, reaffirming his commitment to serve the remaining 2.5 years.
Political Stability in Karnataka
The statements from senior Congress leaders appear to aim at maintaining political stability within Karnataka, ahead of any potential internal party discussions. With the Assembly elections still two years away, Congress leadership seems keen to project unity and assure the public and party workers of a stable government.
Parameshwara highlighted the importance of dispelling rumors and maintaining peace within the state’s political environment. “Who said there will be a change? As you said it, it is just a rumor. There is no such plan. Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister,” he said.
Siddaramaiah, a seasoned politician with decades of experience in Karnataka politics, has led the state through various developmental initiatives during his tenure. Analysts suggest that his focus on governance and development could be one reason the party wants him to complete the term without any interruptions.
Congress Party Dynamics
The Congress leadership in Karnataka has had to manage internal rivalries carefully. The initial post-election negotiations after May 2023 saw intense discussions between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, reflecting the significant influence both leaders hold within the party. By appointing Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister, the party managed to maintain internal balance and avoid public discord.
Despite rumors of a leadership switch, Congress insiders suggest that no formal decision has been taken regarding any rotation of the Chief Minister’s post. The public statements from both Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara are expected to put an end to speculation and assure voters of a stable administration.
Key Takeaways
- Siddaramaiah has reaffirmed that he will complete his full five-year term as Chief Minister of Karnataka.
- Senior Congress leader G Parameshwara dismissed rumors about a leadership change in the state.
- The speculation arose after Congress MLAs hinted that Deputy CM D K Shivakumar might take over the post.
- No official confirmation has been made regarding a rotational chief minister formula within the party.
- Political stability and continuity are being emphasized by senior leaders to maintain confidence among the public and party workers.
As Karnataka continues to witness political debates and speculations, Siddaramaiah’s statement is likely to strengthen the perception of stability in the state government. Analysts also highlight that such clarity from party leadership can help reduce unnecessary political speculation, ensuring that administrative focus remains on governance and development initiatives.
Conclusion
With half of his second term completed, Siddaramaiah has reaffirmed his commitment to lead Karnataka for the remaining tenure, reinforcing political stability and continuity in the state. While whispers of a leadership change persist among some party members, official statements from senior leaders have clearly indicated that there will be no mid-term reshuffle in the Chief Minister’s position. For Karnataka, this means a continued focus on governance, development, and social welfare under Siddaramaiah’s leadership for the next 2.5 years.