Siddaramaiah Bristles at Succession Talk as DK Shivakumar’s Chief Minister Prospects Spark Buzz

MYSURU: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday displayed visible irritation when asked repeatedly about speculation that his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar, could soon replace him as Chief Minister. Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah dismissed the succession talk as “media-driven” and insisted that only the Congress high command — Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge — could decide on leadership matters.

“It does not matter what people say. Tell me, who is the high command? Have they said anything? Then why raise it? It is the media that keeps dragging this,” Siddaramaiah said sharply.

The exchange followed questions about community leaders in Bengaluru expressing support for Shivakumar as the next CM. This marks the second time in recent weeks the veteran leader has shown annoyance over leadership queries, as the Congress government approaches the halfway point of its tenure.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah confirmed that discussions about a Cabinet reshuffle will take place soon after the Bihar elections conclude on November 11.

The remarks came a day after Shivakumar, addressing the Bihar Association in Bengaluru, appealed to voters of Bihari origin to support the Mahagathbandhan alliance in Bihar. During his speech, he also acknowledged public sentiment that he “deserved a bigger role” but said his focus remained on strengthening the Congress-led coalition nationally.

In late October, Siddaramaiah had similarly lost his temper when asked about a possible leadership transition, challenging journalists to cite credible sources and asserting that he personally reads every newspaper.

The renewed tension underscores ongoing factional undercurrents within the Karnataka Congress, where both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar command large followings. As the party weighs reshuffles and prepares for key electoral battles, questions around succession appear set to persist.

Originally published on newsworldstime.com.