‘No vacancy for CM post’: Siddaramaiah digs in heals, quashes Karnataka leadership change buzz; here's what he said

NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday dismissed speculation around a possible leadership change in the state, saying there is “no vacancy” for the top post. In a video released by news agency ANI, Siddaramaiah said, “No discussion took place (on CM position), that is my reply. DK Shivakumar himself said that there is no vacancy for the CM post. Whatever decision is taken by the high command, both of us will follow; we will obey it.”Siddaramaiah also said he was attempting to reach senior party leadership. “I sought an appointment to meet Rahul Gandhi today,” he added further. His remarks come amid persistent rumours of a power-sharing agreement between him and deputy chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who was widely seen as a strong contender for the top post after the Congress’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections.On Wednesday, Shivakumar had also denied any plans of a cabinet reshuffle or change in leadership. “No cabinet reshuffle is on the cards. Myself and the chief minister are meeting central ministers to discuss various state issues,” Shivakumar told reporters. Responding to reports suggesting he might replace Siddaramaiah midway through the government’s term, Shivakumar said, “This was media speculation” and that there is “no such plan.” The Congress leadership, too, has sought to put an end to the speculation. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge recently stated that there was no proposal for a reshuffle and that the media would be informed if a decision was ever made. Despite the denials, murmurs of internal review continue, with some ministers reportedly under the scanner over performance and corruption allegations. However, neither the state government nor the Congress high command has confirmed these reports. Adding to the buzz, Shivakumar met senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence in Delhi on Wednesday. While the meeting raised eyebrows, Shivakumar declined to reveal details.