Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday firmly denied speculation about a possible change of leadership in the state, clarifying that his recent comments referred only to a proposed cabinet reshuffle after two-and-a-half years in office — not to a change of chief ministership.

Speaking to reporters at the closing ceremony of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week in Chamarajanagar, he said:
“I had spoken to the party high command about a cabinet reshuffle after two-and-a-half years of governance. There may have been a discussion about it.”

He stressed that his remarks were misinterpreted as hints of a leadership change and refused to react to comments made by deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s brother, former MP DK Suresh, who recently suggested a possible change at the top.

Siddaramaiah reiterated that the mandate of the 2023 assembly election was for the Congress to govern for five years.
“People voted for Congress and gave us five years to govern the state, which I am doing.”

Says he will present 17th budget next year

Earlier in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah signalled continuity by asserting that he would present the state budget again next year.
“I have presented a record 16 budgets. I will present the 17th next year,” he said, recalling how critics once mocked him during his first budget:
“They said I didn’t know how to count sheep. I took it as a challenge.”

Two cabinet vacancies, consultations underway

On expanding the cabinet, the CM said that two vacancies remain and discussions have been held with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
“Kharge told me he will discuss the issue with Rahul,” Siddaramaiah said.

On 2028 polls: “Let the elections come”

Asked whether he would lead the Congress in the 2028 assembly polls, Siddaramaiah kept his answer open-ended but hinted he would continue contesting as long as people elect him.

Rejects Chamarajanagar ‘jinx’

The CM also dismissed the long-held “Chamarajanagar jinx”, saying he had only grown politically stronger after visiting the district.

Reflecting on his political journey, he said he would not have become chief minister had he remained in JD(S), claiming that party patriarch HD Deve Gowda and his sons would not have allowed it. He noted that GT Deve Gowda — once his close associate — was “in a way, back with us again.”