No Chance For Shivakumar As Karnataka CM? Siddaramaiah Says 'No Vacancy For Leadership Change'

The remarks come amid growing buzz over an internal arrangement that could see Deputy CM DK Shivakumar succeed CM Siddaramaiah midway through Karnataka government’s term.

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar have reportedly sought time to meet Rahul Gandhi

Source : Facebook

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly dismissed speculation about a leadership change in the state, asserting that he will continue in the role for the full five-year term. “There is no vacancy,” the CM said in response to questions about a possible transition of power within the Congress-led government.

No Discussion Took Place: Siddaramaiah On CM Change Buzz

The CM said, "No discussion took place (on CM position), that is my reply. DK Shivakumar himself said that there is no vacancy for the CM post...Whatever decision is taken by the high command, both of us will follow; we will obey it.."

He said that it was natural for such questions to arise since the government completed 2.5 years but that does not mean that such an agreement was made. Further, he said that if such an agreement was in place he would not have been the CM for 5 years.

The remarks come amid growing buzz over an internal arrangement that could see Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar succeed Siddaramaiah midway through the government’s term. However, the Chief Minister’s statement signals a clear intent to stay the course.

Siddaramaiah is also scheduled to meet AICC General Secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, later on Thursday to discuss political and governance-related matters. Sources said he has not yet sought an appointment with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

"Surjewala has clearly said there is no change in the leadership. The leadership issue is not in the discussion. When he said this, why is there speculation? He is in charge of Karnataka, and when he has said there should not be any speculation, the media is still speculating. There is no discussion about this within the party," Siddaramaiah told reporters in New Delhi, as per a report on PTI.