Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said the decision on when Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar would become chief minister rests entirely with the Congress high command, as both leaders sought to quash renewed speculation over a power tussle in the state.
Addressing the media with Shivakumar by his side for the second time in four days, Siddaramaiah said both leaders were ready to go to New Delhi if summoned by the party leadership. Asked directly when Shivakumar would assume the top post, the chief minister replied that it would happen &ldquo;when the high command says&rdquo;.
He added that any decision taken by senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, would be acceptable to both of them.
Siddaramaiah also confirmed that a meeting of Congress MPs from Karnataka has been scheduled for December 8, though he did not clarify whether leadership issues would be on the agenda. He said the discussion would focus on farmers&rsquo; concerns and other state-related matters.
Dismissing reports of infighting, the chief minister asserted that all Congress MLAs in Karnataka were united and ready to face the opposition together. He described his relationship with Shivakumar as cordial, saying they were working together like brothers for the government&rsquo;s stability.
Speculation around a leadership change has persisted since Siddaramaiah completed two and a half years in office. The Congress formed the government in Karnataka in 2023 after internal deliberations, eventually naming Siddaramaiah as chief minister and Shivakumar as his deputy.
Reports of a so-called rotational chief minister arrangement resurfaced recently after Shivakumar hinted at stepping down as the state Congress president and some of his supporters held meetings in Delhi. However, both leaders have repeatedly denied any discord, underscored by back-to-back breakfast meetings at each other&rsquo;s residences over the weekend.

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar show unity, say they will follow Congress high command

Shivakumar CM call rests with Congress

Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar show unity, say they will follow Congress high command

December 2, 2025 | 20:16 IST