Siddaramiah hints at continuing, DKS signals exit as Cong Chief

In Karnataka the CM and his deputy on Wednesday gave separate political signals. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted that he would present his record 17th Budget next year. Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio, presented his 16th budget in March this year. He was speaking at the golden jubilee of LG Havanur, marking submission of the first backward classes commission report.The 2026-27 budget is likely to be presented in March next year, and preparatory work has already begun. Siddaramaiah's comments come amid speculations about a possible leadership change in the state, when the Congress government reaches the halfway mark of its five-year term in November, which is being referred to by some as the "November revolution".

Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar injected fresh life into his tug-of-war with Siddaramaiah - over the post of Karnataka Chief Minister - hinting he might quit as boss of the party's state unit. At a party event in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said "I cannot hold the post permanently... it has already been five-and-a-half years and in March it will be six." "It is a different matter - will I remain President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee..." he said, "... but in my tenure I want 100 Congress offices opened in the state. I wanted to relinquish this responsibility when I took over as Deputy Chief Minister, but Rahul Gandhi and (Congress boss) Mallikarjun Kharge asked me to continue. So, I did my duty." After the event, Shivakumar told reporters he was trying to set an example. "No one can be permanent... " he said to a soundtrack of slogans anointing him the next Chief Minister. The 2.5-year power-sharing deal for Karnataka’s chief ministership between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar nears its deadline this month. It is said that a power-sharing formula reportedly emerged, which would see Siddaramaiah step aside after 2.5 years.

(State Correspondent)