Bengaluru, July 10 || Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asserted that he will serve a full five-year term and claimed that there is no power-sharing arrangement between him and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also considered a contender for the top post.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, CM Siddaramaiah acknowledged that Shivakumar is an aspirant for the Chief Minister’s position and said there is nothing wrong with that. He added that Shivakumar himself has clarified that the CM's post is not vacant.
"Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has never stated that the Chief Minister should be changed," Siddaramaiah said.
He reiterated his intention to remain in office for the full five-year term. “...I am CM for full term...I will lead the party in the 2028 Assembly elections,” he declared.
“However, I am committed to following the orders of the high command. Both Shivakumar and I are bound to obey the high command’s decisions. As of now, there are no discussions on any power-sharing arrangement,” he added.
When asked about some MLAs demanding that Shivakumar be made the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said, “A few MLAs may support Shivakumar, but the majority do not.”
The statement has assumed significance against the backdrop of the ongoing leadership tussle and the timing, as both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are currently in Delhi.