Bengaluru

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the Congress high command’s decision on the leadership issue would be final and asserted that he would fully abide by whatever the party leadership decides.

Responding to repeated queries on the ongoing speculation over a possible change in the state’s leadership, Siddaramaiah said he would not comment further on the matter and made it clear that he was not planning a visit to Delhi unless summoned by the party leadership.

“Whatever the high command says is final. There is no point in asking unnecessary questions,” the chief minister told reporters.

When asked to react to statements made earlier in the day by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar — who said there was “no confusion” over the leadership issue as it had been discussed in the presence of the party leadership — Siddaramaiah appeared visibly annoyed.

“If he has said something, you should ask him. I don’t know. I am committed to whatever the high command decides,” he said.

On speculation that he might travel to Delhi for discussions on the leadership issue, Siddaramaiah said there was no such plan.

“Why should I go without being called? I have work here, including budget preparations. If the high command calls me, I will go,” he added.

The leadership tussle within the ruling Congress has resurfaced amid speculation over a possible change in chief minister after the party completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025.

The buzz has also been fuelled by references to a reported power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.

Adding to the debate, Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah had last week asserted that the chief minister would complete a full five-year term, claiming the party high command had conveyed its intent in this regard.

Siddaramaiah also clarified the absence of Shivakumar from pre-budget meetings scheduled on Tuesday with departments under his charge.

“He has written to me stating that he needs to go to Delhi to attend a party meeting related to the Assam Assembly elections, and hence will not be able to attend today’s pre-budget meetings,” the chief minister said.

He added that meetings of the water resources and Bengaluru development departments would go ahead even in Shivakumar’s absence.

Shivakumar has been appointed senior observer by the Congress for the upcoming Assam Assembly elections.

Holding the finance portfolio as well, Siddaramaiah is currently chairing a series of pre-budget consultations with various departments ahead of the 2026-27 state Budget, which is expected to be presented in March.

According to official sources, the upcoming budget will be Siddaramaiah’s 17th, a record in Karnataka’s legislative history.

Responding to allegations by former BJP MP from Mysuru, Prathap Simha, that his son Yathindra was interfering in administrative matters, including transfers of officials, Siddaramaiah dismissed the charge.

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“Prathap Simha was not even given a ticket by his own party,” the chief minister said.