Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Downplay Differences, Focus on 2028 Karnataka Elections

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed speculation about a leadership tussle in the state during a joint press conference on Friday, following a breakfast meeting at Siddaramaiah’s residence.

The discussion came amid rumors surrounding an alleged rotational chief minister arrangement within the Congress party. Both leaders emphasized that there are no differences between them and that their focus remains on upcoming 2028 assembly elections and local body polls.

“There are no differences between us, and there will be no differences in the future. Our agenda is the 2028 elections and local body elections. We discussed strategies to strengthen Congress for the next polls,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.

Shivakumar echoed the sentiment, stressing that he and the Chief Minister are working together and will follow guidance from the Congress high command. “With the support of the people, we have formed the government and are fulfilling our promises. Whatever the high command decides, we will follow it. There is no group, and we are united,” he said.

The press conference comes ahead of a high-level meeting of senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, reportedly scheduled for Sunday, November 30 to address the leadership issue.

Speculation about a potential change in leadership intensified after November 20, marking the midpoint of the current five-year term. Siddaramaiah has maintained he was elected to serve the full term as Chief Minister, while Shivakumar has indicated discussions about taking over after two and a half years under a rotational arrangement.

Both leaders have reiterated their commitment to party unity, signaling that the Congress government in Karnataka intends to stay cohesive and focused on its electoral objectives.