Deputy CM Shivakumar Directly Counters Prime Minister Modi's Allegations of Internal Strife.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly stated that the Congress government in Karnataka has spent a significant portion of its term grappling with internal power struggles, rather than addressing public issues. Modi, speaking at the airport on May 10, 2026, alleged that "uncertainty over leadership" had overshadowed governance, implying a state of constant flux regarding the Chief Minister's position.
However, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar unequivocally rejected these claims. Speaking on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in Raichur district, Shivakumar stated, "No chairs are wobbling in Karnataka. I don't know what the PM is referring to." Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, directly refuted the Prime Minister's assertions about a leadership power struggle within the state administration. This direct rebuttal from a key figure in the state government serves as the most immediate and factual counterpoint to the Prime Minister's public statements.
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Whispers of Power-Sharing and Official Denials
Speculation regarding a potential leadership change in Karnataka has persisted, particularly around the two-and-a-half-year mark of the Congress government's term. Reports had suggested an informal understanding for Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar to eventually succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While the party's high command has not publicly confirmed any such arrangement, these reports fueled ongoing discussions.
In response to these persistent rumors and the Prime Minister's comments, both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar have, at various junctures, presented a united front. Following several meetings, including a notable breakfast meeting on November 29, 2025, both leaders have publicly affirmed their commitment to the party's high command's decisions and stated that there are no differences between them. Shivakumar, in particular, has been vocal about party discipline, even warning against public statements concerning leadership changes. On July 1, 2025, he signaled a de-escalation of his own perceived bid for the top post, emphasizing his role as a "disciplined soldier" of the party.
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Background:
The Congress government in Karnataka came to power following the state assembly elections. The formation of the government involved significant deliberation over the Chief Minister's post, with both Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar being prominent contenders. A compromise was eventually reached, installing Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister and Shivakumar as his deputy, with a reported understanding about a potential future power transition. This internal dynamic has been a recurring theme in political discourse and media coverage surrounding the state government.
