When asked about the opposition BJP and JD(S) claiming that he would be replaced, Siddaramaiah responded: “Are they our high command?”
Published Jul 02, 2025 | 5:03 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 02, 2025 | 5:03 PM
Siddaramiah asserted that his government would complete its full term, describing the Congress administration as united and stable.
Synopsis: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday dismissed speculation of his resignation in November, calling it a “baseless lie” spread by the BJP. He asserted that the Congress government is united and will complete its full five-year term. His remarks come amid growing speculation over a leadership change and a possible power-sharing deal with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday, 2 July, dismissed speculation that he plans to resign in November, calling it a “baseless lie” being spread by the state’s BJP leadership.
“BJP is daydreaming about a change in power in our government. BJP leaders are so unparalleled in telling lies, they don’t even know how to speak the truth,” Siddaramaiah told reporters at Nandi Hills, in Chikkaballapura, where a cabinet meeting of the Bengaluru Revenue Division was held.
He asserted that his government would complete its full term, describing the Congress administration as united and stable.
In recent days, speculation over a possible leadership change has grown, with talk of a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The agreement reportedly has Shivakumar take over as Chief Minister halfway through the Congress’s five-year term.
The speculation intensified after AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s cryptic response when asked about the matter on Monday.
“It is in the hands of the party high command. No one can say what is going on in the high command. It is left to the high command and they have the right to take further action, but no one should create problems unnecessarily,” Kharge said.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks came a day after Shivakumar clarified that there had been no discussion on any change in leadership.
When asked about the opposition BJP and JD(S) claiming that he would be replaced, Siddaramaiah responded: “Are they our high command?”
“Whether they believe it or not, we are all united. Our government will continue for the full five years like a rock,” he said, accusing Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly R Ashoka, BJP state president BY Vijayendra, and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy of attempting to mislead the public.
“They are trying to mislead the public by doing nothing and telling lies. When they were in power, they did nothing. What evidence of achievements did the BJP leave behind while in power?” he asked.
“What have they done in irrigation, rural development, public works, education, or the health sectors? BJP was in power for four years. HD Kumaraswamy was in power for one year and two months in a coalition government. What did they do?”
Referring to the recent Samarpana Sankalpa Samavesha, a public meeting held in Hosapete on 20 May to mark two years of Congress rule in Karnataka, the Chief Minister pointed to the turnout as proof of popular support for his government.
“Despite the rain, more than three lakh people gathered. Do people come in such numbers just like that without support for the government?” he said.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
