Karnataka Power Balance: Siddaramaiahs Son Asserts Full-Term CM Tenure as DKS Strikes Diplomatic Note

Political chatter around Karnataka’s leadership resurfaced once again after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, asserted that his father would serve a full five-year term. His statement comes at a time when speculation about a possible leadership change has periodically emerged within the state Congress unit. The BJP and JD(S) have frequently cited the alleged “power-sharing arrangement” between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) to suggest instability within the ruling party.

Speaking to reporters, Yathindra dismissed such talk as politically motivated rumours, insisting that Siddaramaiah enjoys complete confidence from the Congress high command. He said his father was delivering on governance promises and steering key welfare schemes successfully. “He will remain the Chief Minister for the full five years. There is no ambiguity about that,” Yathindra said, asserting that the government was stable and functioning without internal divisions.

The comment immediately drew attention, not only because it directly addressed ongoing speculation, but also because it put the spotlight back on the relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar two powerful leaders who were both contenders for the top post after the party’s sweeping victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. The Congress chose Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, while DKS was given the Deputy CM role along with the presidency of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC).

When asked to react to Yathindra’s remarks, D.K. Shivakumar took a characteristically measured stand. Instead of engaging with the speculation, he simply said, “Let good things happen.” His cryptic but conciliatory response was seen by political observers as an attempt to maintain unity and avoid amplifying internal debates, especially at a time when the government is focusing on implementing flagship welfare programs such as Gruha Lakshmi, Shakti, and Yuva Nidhi.

Yathindra’s strong endorsement of Siddaramaiah’s full-term leadership seems aimed at shutting down persistent rumours that the Congress may revisit its leadership choice midway through the term. While Congress leaders have repeatedly denied any formal power-sharing agreement, sections of the opposition have continued to insist otherwise.

The statement also comes at a crucial time for the Karnataka Congress, which is preparing for the 2025 local body elections and gearing up for the 2026 general elections. Party strategists know that even small traces of internal division can weaken public perception and create openings for rival parties.

For now, the Congress appears eager to project unity. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly emphasised coordination between their teams, despite their distinct political bases and ambitions. The high command in Delhi, too, has been careful to avoid favouring one faction over the other, focusing instead on performance and electoral gains.

While Yathindra's remark may help reaffirm confidence in Siddaramaiah’s leadership, political analysts caution that internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress remain fluid. DKS continues to be one of the party’s strongest mass leaders and fundraisers, while Siddaramaiah remains its most seasoned administrator.

For now, both leaders appear aligned on governance priorities but as Karnataka’s political landscape evolves, their equations will continue to be closely watched.