Karnataka Minister says he’s ready to support Shivakumar as CM if party decides
Bengaluru — Karnataka politics entered a sharper phase of churn on Thursday as Home Minister G. Parameshwara openly endorsed the possibility of DK Shivakumar taking over as Chief Minister. His remarks came at a time when conversations inside the Congress are already centred on a potential leadership shift.
Parameshwara said he always responds honestly when asked about his own ambitions. He stated that he remains in the race for the top post because he has served the party for decades. However, he then moved to a more significant point. He said he would accept Shivakumar as Chief Minister without hesitation if the Congress High Command orders a transition. With this, he signalled rare clarity during a phase of heightened speculation.
He added that the Congress leadership is the final authority. Therefore, any decision they take will receive full support from all senior leaders, including him. He stressed that a shift in power, if it happens, will unfold smoothly. He positioned himself as someone who respects party discipline above personal goals. With that, he underlined his loyalty to the larger organisation.
As the conversation progressed, Parameshwara also noted that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge remains an able and strong leader who has the stature for the Chief Minister’s office. He framed Kharge as a veteran whose experience commands respect across the state. Yet, he said he has no evidence of any written or unwritten pact between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. He refused to endorse the rumour that both leaders had agreed on a power rotation formula before the 2023 Assembly elections.
Meanwhile, the background tension inside the Karnataka Congress continues to grow. Leaders across factions are now watching the political signals coming from Delhi closely. Reports around a potential power-sharing agreement have gained repeated attention. According to political observers, these discussions intensified after the Lok Sabha election results, which placed new pressure on the state unit.
Siddaramaiah remains a strong mass leader with a wide administrative track record. Shivakumar, on the other hand, continues to project himself as an organiser who revived the party during its weaker phases. Therefore, both leaders hold influence that affects the party’s internal balance. As a result, every statement from their confidants attracts scrutiny.
Parameshwara’s comment, therefore, stands out. It shows that some members of Siddaramaiah’s circle are prepared for any decision the High Command may announce. Though the party has not confirmed any shift, the tone within the state unit indicates that options remain open.
As Karnataka moves deeper into this political moment, Congress leaders are working to retain unity. They know that internal divisions can damage governance and weaken the party’s public image. Therefore, each remark now shapes the narrative. With this, the leadership question remains the central point of discussion, and the final call rests firmly with the national leadership.
