Siddaramaiah: Politics Isn’t Permanent; Aide Says Leaders Must Step Aside Eventually

Siddaramaiah Says Politics Isn’t Permanent, Aide Stresses Leaders Must Step Aside Eventually

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday made a cryptic comment amid leadership speculation, telling Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna after a breakfast meeting with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar that he had “never really thought about” such discussions.

“Whatever happens, let it happen. Is politics my father’s property? Politics is not permanent,” Siddaramaiah remarked, signaling he is unconcerned about ongoing chatter regarding the Chief Minister’s post.

Echoing this sentiment, Public Works Minister Sathish Jarkiholi said no political post is permanent and that any leadership transition rests entirely with the Congress High Command.

“At some point, we have to step aside; it has to happen,” he said, noting that changes could occur even within the current term if the party leadership decides so. On the rumored ‘3+2’ power-sharing formula, Jarkiholi said he had no information and that the party is awaiting guidance from the High Command.

Addressing other speculations, he dismissed talk of a Dalit Chief Minister this term and said the Chief Minister issue should be considered closed. On a possible cabinet reshuffle, he added that only senior leaders, the CM, or the Deputy CM could comment.

Political activity has intensified since the Chief Minister–Deputy Chief Minister breakfast meeting, with two separate dinner meetings among senior Congress leaders fueling further speculation. Jarkiholi downplayed these gatherings, calling them routine interactions rather than coordinated strategy sessions.

Tensions stem from what the Shivakumar camp claims as a power-sharing agreement signed in May 2023, which would have seen him assume the Chief Minister’s post after two and a half years. Both leaders, however, continue to maintain unity, insisting there is no power struggle in the state.