Congress Picks Stability Over Speculation: Siddaramaiah to Remain Karnataka CM, Here’s Why
Putting an end to ongoing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah affirmed on July 2 that he will serve a full five-year term. Responding to media queries, the veteran Congress leader confidently stated, “Yes, I will be the CM of Karnataka. Why do you have doubts?”
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, addressing the same issue, acknowledged the party’s decision and expressed his support: “What option do I have? I have to stand by him and support him. Whatever the party high command decides, it will be fulfilled.”
This clarification comes amidst persistent talk of a rotational power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. However, the Congress high command seems to have settled the debate — for now — in favour of Siddaramaiah. Here’s why:
Top 5 Reasons Why Congress Prefers Siddaramaiah as CM:
1. Bihar Assembly Elections 2025
Bihar is set to go to polls in 2025. Congress fears that removing Siddaramaiah, an OBC leader, could send the wrong message to backward class voters in Bihar — a demographic key to its alliance with RJD. Replacing him might offer the BJP ammunition to attack the INDIA bloc on social equity grounds.
2. Shivakumar’s Reluctance to Step Down as State Party Chief
DK Shivakumar currently holds the post of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. Sources say he is not ready to relinquish this powerful organizational role, fearing it may fall into the hands of Siddaramaiah loyalists — further weakening his political leverage.
3. Legal Vulnerabilities and Past Controversies
Shivakumar has faced multiple legal troubles, including a money laundering case for which he spent over a month in jail in 2019. With the BJP in power at the Centre, Congress fears making him CM could invite fresh legal actions — even potentially jailing a sitting CM.
4. Negative Fallout from the Bengaluru Stampede
Shivakumar faced backlash after a stampede on June 4 during the RCB victory parade in Bengaluru killed 11 people. Reports indicate that crowd control warnings were ignored. Although the cricket franchise was held accountable, the incident cast a shadow on Shivakumar’s administrative judgment.
5. Avoiding Another Gehlot-Pilot Situation
Congress is cautious not to repeat past mistakes seen in Rajasthan (Gehlot vs. Pilot) and Madhya Pradesh (Kamal Nath vs. Scindia), which arguably cost them power. Karnataka remains one of just three Congress-ruled states, and internal friction could undermine its 2028 assembly election strategy.
For now, the party is signaling unity — and focusing on long-term governance and electoral strategy — by sticking with Siddaramaiah at the helm.
