‘What Option I Have?’: DK Shivakumar After Siddaramaiah Asserts Full Term As Karnataka CM Amid Power Tussle

Amidst leadership change rumours, Karnataka's Deputy CM Shivakumar affirmed his support for CM Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command's decisions.

Siddaramaiah confidently stated he'd continue as CM, dismissing doubts.

Source : Special arrangement

Amid swirling speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has reaffirmed his support for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command—though with a noticeably cautious tone. While Siddaramaiah confidently affirmed his continuation as Chief Minister, questioning, “Why do you have doubts?”, Shivakumar remarked, “What option do I have?” expressing his support for the party’s decision.

'Have To Stand By CM Siddaramaiah': Shivakumar

Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Shivakumar downplayed any suggestion of discord, saying,"What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I don't have any objection to it, whatever the party high command says and whatever they decide, it will be fulfilled."

He also chose to steer clear of further speculation, stating, “I don’t want to discuss anything now. Lakhs of workers are supporting this party.”

VIDEO | Bengaluru: As leadership crisis looms in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar), responding to CM Siddaramaiah’s remarks, said, “What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. I have no objection. Whatever the party high command… pic.twitter.com/Nfmag3PSgu

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 2, 2025

His remarks come as speculation swirls about a potential reshuffle or transition in the state leadership.

Siddaramaiah Says All Are United

Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also firmly dismissed such talk. Last week, when asked whether he would continue in office for the full term, Siddaramaiah replied confidently,  "Yes, I will, why do you have doubts?" he said.

When asked if he will remain as the CM for 5 years, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, "Yes, I will. Why do you have a doubt?"

(Pic Source: Karnataka CMO) pic.twitter.com/N0YrnQ6wIW

— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025

Taking aim at the BJP, Siddaramaiah accused the opposition of spreading misinformation about internal rifts. “What the BJP says is only lies,” he said during a visit to the Bhoga Nandishwara Temple. “They don’t know how to speak the truth. We are all united.”

On leadership change in Karnataka Congress party, state Minister Priyank Kharge told ANI, "Who says this? Randeep Surjewala, CM, Dy CM, and Mallikarjun Kharge clearly stated that there is nothing like that. Why this speculation?"