Karnataka Dy CM Shivakumar Says He and CM Siddaramaiah Have a Mutual Understanding
DK Shivakumar confirms agreement with Siddaramaiah on leadership.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar firmly dismissed ongoing speculation about a leadership change in the state government during interactions with reporters in Gokarna on Friday, December 20, 2025. Asserting that no discussions on replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have ever taken place, Shivakumar emphasized unity within the Congress leadership and credited the party high command for establishing a clear understanding between the two senior leaders.
Shivakumar clarified that he never claimed Siddaramaiah would not complete his full five-year term or suggested any lack of support from the central leadership. He stated unequivocally that the high command fully backs the current Chief Minister, which is why Siddaramaiah holds the position. Highlighting a mutual agreement brokered by the party's top brass, Shivakumar affirmed that both leaders are adhering strictly to its terms, describing media reports of potential shifts as unfounded creations.
The Deputy Chief Minister, who also serves as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, made these remarks following religious visits on the final day of the Belagavi winter legislative session. He arrived in Gokarna early morning to perform puja at the revered Mahabaleshwara temple, followed by offerings at the Maha Ganapathi temple and a private ritual at the Andle Jagadishwari temple in Ankola taluk, where sources noted he conducted proceedings with minimal accompaniment.
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Addressing recent political buzz surrounding a dinner hosted by cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi in Belagavi the previous evening, Shivakumar questioned the validity of interpreting a simple gathering as indicative of deeper conspiracies. He defended the event as an ordinary occasion for colleagues to share a meal, expressing irritation at persistent media queries linking it to leadership ambitions.
Shivakumar's statements aim to quell persistent rumors that have circulated within political circles, reinforcing stability in the Congress government amid ongoing legislative activities and administrative priorities across the state.
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