Karnataka CM's son's statement sparks political stir: 'Siddaramaiah in the final stages of his political career'

In Karnataka, the Congress party appears to be divided into two distinct camps. One is headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while the other is led by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. There is also frequent talk of replacing Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar as CM.

Siddaramaiah, the head of the Congress government in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, is frequently in the headlines regarding his political future. After winning the assembly elections, a race was held between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar for the CM position in Karnataka. Although Siddaramaiah was appointed CM after the high command's approval, discussions about Siddaramaiah's removal from the CM post have surfaced intermittently since the formation of the government in 2023. Recently, Congress MP LR Shivarama Gowda also raised this issue with a statement.

Karnataka CM's son says his father is in the last phase of his political career

Amid speculation about Siddaramaiah's continued tenure as Chief Minister, his son issued a statement on Wednesday, further adding to his father's troubles. Siddaramaiah's son said that he is in the final stages of his political career and should be guided by his cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi.

77-year-old Siddaramaiah has become the Chief Minister of Karnataka for the second time

In fact, on Wednesday, Siddaramaiah's son Yatindra said that the Chief Minister is in the final stages of his career. It's worth noting that 77-year-old Siddaramaiah has become the Chief Minister of Karnataka for the second time. Previously, he served as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018. Then, the BJP came to power in the state. However, in the 2023 assembly elections, Congress made a comeback in Karnataka.

DK Shivakumar was the state president in the 2023 elections

DK Shivakumar was the state Congress president during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. He was named the man of the match for the victory. However, he lost out to Siddaramaiah in the CM race. DK Shivakumar is currently the Deputy CM of Karnataka. Statements by various leaders have repeatedly fueled discussions about DK Shivakumar becoming the CM.

Siddaramaiah has denied reports of leaving the CM chair.

But Siddaramaiah has consistently denied such speculation. Last month, he had to deny reports that he would step down as Chief Minister to make way for his Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar. The speculation was fueled by a statement from Congress MP LR Shivarama Gowda, who called on top party leaders to clear up confusion on the issue.

Congress MP had said – there is no doubt about Shivakumar becoming the CM

Congress MP Gowda had said, "There is no doubt that Shivakumar will eventually become the Chief Minister, but the final decision rests with the high command. He knows how to run the party and maintain a balance between being the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. Ultimately, hard work always pays off."

Congress is divided into two camps in Karnataka.

Following the debate sparked by the Congress MP's statement, Siddaramaiah repeatedly told reporters, "I will remain Chief Minister for the full five-year term." Despite the party's denials, sources have repeatedly stated that there are two distinct camps—one supporting Siddaramaiah and the other Shivakumar. Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi also appears to be standing firmly with the Siddaramaiah camp.

PC:NDTVINDIA