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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he would continue to lead the Congress government for the full five-year term if the party’s high command so decides, amid renewed speculation over a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle in the state. “In a democracy, competition is a right. If the high command decides, I will continue as Chief Minister for five years,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mangalore. His remarks came as conversations within the Congress about succession and generational transition gained momentum. Hints at rethinking retirement plan Siddaramaiah, who had declared during the 2023 Assembly elections that it would be his last contest, now appears to be reconsidering that stance. In a recent interview, he said party workers had urged him to contest again.“I had said I won’t contest in the 2028 elections. But all my friends are saying I should contest because it will help the party. I haven’t decided on it,” he said. He reiterated that he had no ambitions for national politics, saying that any decision regarding the cabinet reshuffle or state leadership would depend on the Congress leadership in Delhi. “The high command asked for a reshuffle three or four months ago. I said let us do it after 2.5 years in office. Now, if the high command gives permission, we will do it,” he said. Yathindra’s remark triggers speculation Siddaramaiah’s statement follows comments by his son, MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who recently said his father should mentor Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi as a potential successor. Though Yathindra later clarified that he was referring to ideological succession rather than a leadership change, the remark stirred political speculation. “There is no mistake in my Belagavi statement. I have already clarified this,” Yathindra told reporters. “Let’s see if a notice comes in this regard. I will not talk about that issue again,” he said, adding that his father would complete his term. He described Siddaramaiah as being in the “final phase of his political career” and urged him to guide the next generation. “My father said he will not contest the 2028 elections. After that, there are so many politicians who follow the secular Congress ideology. Let Satish Jarkiholi lead them all,” he added. Talks of reshuffle and consolidation According to party insiders, Siddaramaiah has been working to consolidate support within his cabinet amid speculation about internal changes. He recently hosted a dinner meeting for ministers and is expected to use the upcoming Rajyotsava Award selection process to strengthen ties with colleagues. An informal meeting of ministers and MLAs has been called for October 28 to discuss strategy, reportedly under the pretext of award deliberations. Siddaramaiah is also scheduled to visit Delhi on November 15, while Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar reached the capital on Sunday for consultations with senior party leaders. Party unity message from Parameshwara State Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended both leaders, describing Shivakumar as “incomparable” within the Congress. “No one can be compared to Shivakumar at the party at present. He has tremendous capabilities. The high command will take the final call if there will be any leadership change, and we will abide by it,” he said. He also dismissed speculation over a lunch hosted by Siddaramaiah on November 1, saying it was part of the annual Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations. “We celebrate this day every year. If Siddaramaiah is inviting leaders to celebrate the occasion, analysing it politically is not appropriate,” he added. Parameshwara said he had no information about a cabinet reshuffle and reiterated that any decision on leadership, including discussions about a Dalit Chief Minister, would rest with the party’s central leadership.
