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The CM’s philosophical stand, coupled with his willingness to leave the decision to the high command, marks a shift from his previous assertions of completing the full 5-year term
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (File Photo)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has fuelled intense political speculation by adopting a surprisingly philosophical stance on his tenure, stating plainly that “politics is not permanent”.
The statement was backed by his close ally, Public Works Department minister Satish Jarkiholi, who said the chief minister “will have to give up power at some point”, possibly even before completing his full term, as the matter rests entirely with the Congress high command.
The chief minister’s comments were made to Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna after a meeting in his chamber amid persistent rumours about the alleged ‘2.5-year rotational CM’ formula with deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. Siddaramaiah told Gopalakrishna: “Politics is not permanent. I don’t worry about anything. Politics is not my father’s property.”
He also stated he has “never really thought about” such discussions, seemingly unperturbed by the ongoing speculation.
However, his repeated emphasis that politics is not a “permanent” or a “hereditary” position, coupled with his willingness to leave the decision to the high command, marks a shift from his previous assertions of completing the full five-year term.
Minister Jarkiholi, a prominent leader and staunch follower of Siddaramaiah, appeared to endorse the possibility of an early transition, giving credence to the high-stakes political drama.
“Power is not permanent for anyone. Siddaramaiah might leave after 30 months or before that as well. One thing is sure, he has to give up power. Whether it’s after 30 months or any other time. He might leave in this term. It all depends on the high command,” he said.
Jarkiholi’s comments are seen as a clear signal that the alleged power-sharing deal, a half-and-half term for the CM post, which has never been formally acknowledged by the Congress high command, is very much alive in the internal party discussions. The government completed a significant milestone recently, marking the halfway point of its five-year tenure on November 20, a date that has intensified the push for a leadership change by Shivakumar’s supporters.
The statements from both the chief minister and his close aide effectively place the ball squarely in the court of the central Congress leadership, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhi family, to clear the air and settle the internal power tussle in Karnataka.
About the Author
Harish Upadhya, an Assistant Editor at CNN-News18, reports from Bengaluru. Political reporting is his forte. He also tracks India’s space journey, and is passionate about environmental reporting and R…Read More
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