Shivakumar Backs Siddaramaiah Amid Leadership Change Speculation

Shivakumar was responding to a statement by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who said, “Yes, I will remain as the Chief Minister for 5 years,” and questioned, “Why doubt [my continuance as CM]?”

Continuing, Shivakumar said, “Whatever the high command says and whatever he [Siddaramaiah] desires will be fulfilled. What options do I have? I have to stand by him and support him.”

When asked about the party not backing him for the CM post, Shivakumar said, “I do not want to discuss anything. Lakhs of party workers have strived hard, not just D.K. Shivakumar.”

Meanwhile, responding to media questions about BJP leaders’ claims that Siddaramaiah would be replaced as Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah asked, “Are they our high command?” He added that Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka and State BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra belong to the BJP.

He accused the BJP of being adept at spreading falsehoods, calling its leaders “expert liars who do not speak the truth.”

“We are all united, and our government is as solid as a rock,” Siddaramaiah declared, adding, “BJP leaders are daydreaming about a change in leadership.”

The Chief Minister also questioned the BJP’s contributions during its time in power in Karnataka from 2019 to 2023, challenging BJP leaders to list their achievements for the state.

“What significant contributions has the BJP made to the state in irrigation, rural development, public works, health, or education?” he asked, asserting, “They did nothing substantial for the state during their four-year rule.” He accused the BJP of misleading the people of the state through lies.

Siddaramaiah referred to the ‘Sadana Samavesha’ held in May to mark two years of Congress rule in the state and said nearly two lakh people had gathered for the event in Hospet, Vijayanagar district. “Will people gather in such large numbers for no reason?” he asked.