DK Shivakumar reaffirms faith in Congress high command amid Karnataka leadership buzz

Even as the leadership tussle between Karnataka Chief MInister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar appears to have flared up again, the latter spoke on the issue to the media on Sunday (April 26), stating that he and the CM will abide by any decision taken by the Congress high command.

Speaking to reporters after returning from Delhi, the Congress state president Shivakumar also asserted that he has "full faith in the party leadership" that it would take an appropriate decision at the appropriate time.

Also read: DK Shivakumar’s Delhi visit sparks fresh buzz over Karnataka leadership change

The remarks comes amid speculations within the party and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when the results for assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, along with bypolls to two assembly segments in the Karnataka are announced.

'Full faith in our party'

In response to a question on the nature of the discussions with the Congress high command during his Delhi visit over the last couple of days, Shivakumar flatly refused to speak on "political issues before the media".

"I have already said that when the time comes you will get to know. So I will not tell you," Shivakumar shot back.

Also read: Karnataka politics shifts to Delhi: One camp wants Cabinet changed, another seeks new CM

However, he did say that there are no issues within the party, and whatever has been already decided will take place accordingly.

Responding to a question on senior minister Satish Jarkiholi's reported statement about internal differences, the deputy CM said, "nothing like that, they (high command) will do what they have to do at the appropriate time." "There are no issues, we have faith in our party, they will do what they have to," he added.

'Abide by high command decision'

Asked about the issue of leadership change as the government is about to complete three years in office, Shivakumar said, "... I have never discussed this issue. The CM and I have both said that we will accept whatever and whenever the high command decides, and we will abide by it." He declined to comment when asked whether any "good news" can be expected by his birthday on May 15.

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

Also read: ‘Will the tail wag the dog?’ Karnataka minister’s remark triggers CM race buzz again

The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.

Internal reservation for SCs

Further, responding to a question on the BJP's criticism against the Congress government over its decision on internal reservation for Scheduled Castes, alleging injustice to several communities and questioning its intent behind the revised quota formula, Shivakumar said the BJP could not do anything on internal reservation while in power, but the Congress has kept its promise.

"We have found a solution and tried to do justice to all sections among SCs. We have fulfilled the promise made and every one should go together," he said.

(With agency inputs)