CM Post for DK Shivakumar? These Are the Conditions

Speculation over a possible change in the Karnataka Chief Minister has been doing the rounds frequently. A couple of months ago, there was intense media buzz suggesting that Siddaramaiah would be replaced, almost as if the decision had already been made. However, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge later held discussions with Karnataka PCC president and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Soon after, a breakfast meeting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar helped put an end to the rumours.

Despite this, talk of DK Shivakumar becoming the Karnataka Chief Minister continues to surface regularly. Shivakumar is known to be keen on the CM post and has played a crucial role in supporting the Congress party in Karnataka—both organisationally and financially. Having been elected to the Assembly nearly eight times, his aspiration for the top post is seen as natural. However, with a senior leader like Siddaramaiah at the helm, the Congress appears hesitant to sideline him.

In this context, Karnataka Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan made significant remarks about DK Shivakumar’s chances of becoming Chief Minister. While stating that Shivakumar would eventually become CM, he also laid down certain conditions. He pointed out that the Congress government was formed in Karnataka in 2023 and that Assembly elections are due in 2028. If the Congress manages to return to power again in those elections, DK Shivakumar would then become the Chief Minister, Zameer Ahmed said.

Ministers have also indicated that Siddaramaiah is likely to continue as Chief Minister for a full term this time. Zameer Ahmed further remarked that Congress runs in DK Shivakumar’s blood and that he would not leave the party. He added that leaders like himself had come from other parties, whereas Shivakumar has always remained with the Congress.

The minister’s comments suggest that Siddaramaiah enjoys strong support among MLAs and ministers. However, the bigger question remains: can the Congress return to power once again in Karnataka? And will DK Shivakumar’s long-cherished dream of becoming Chief Minister ever come true?