Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday played down speculation over his chief ministerial ambitions, saying any decision on leadership would rest solely with the party. His remarks come amid renewed discussions within the Congress over a possible leadership change in the state.

Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, Shivakumar responded to questions about public and party aspirations for him to take over as Chief Minister by stressing party discipline. “People have dreams, MLAs have dreams, and even you have dreams. We have to listen to what the party says,” he said, signalling that personal ambition would not override the party’s collective decision-making process.

Asked whether a power-sharing arrangement could come into effect after the presentation of the state budget, Shivakumar declined to speculate, saying, “Time will give the answer.” He also reacted to demands from Dalit organizations seeking Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet colleague and Home Minister G. Parameshwara for the top post, noting that supporters were entitled to their aspirations and that there was “nothing wrong” in expressing them.

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The leadership debate has resurfaced following remarks by Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who said that demands for a leadership change had not been accepted by the Congress central leadership and that his father would remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term. His comments were seen as a response to statements by Congress MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj, a known supporter of Shivakumar, who had urged the party high command to clear the uncertainty surrounding the issue.

Reacting to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks earlier, Shivakumar had made a sarcastic comment, saying the Chief Minister’s son appeared to be acting as the party’s “high command” and that he would accept whatever he said. The comment drew attention for its sharp tone amid an already sensitive political discussion.

Separately, Shivakumar addressed concerns over a recent metro fare hike, stating that the decision was taken by a separate committee headed by a Union government secretary and that the state government’s opinion had not been sought. He said the issue would be reviewed after his return to Bengaluru, adding that the government did not want to inconvenience the public.

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