Decisions regarding the leadership of Karnataka will be taken by the Congress party high command, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Sunday, adding that he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would accept the result when it is announced.
Speaking to reporters after his return from New Delhi, Shivakumar refused to share details of his discussions with party leaders. He said: “I already said that when the time comes, you will find out. So I won’t tell you.”
The Congress state president rejected suggestions of internal disputes within the party. “Nothing like that, they will do what they have to do at the right time,” he said. “There are no problems, we have confidence in our party, and they will do what they have to do.”
Regarding reports of a possible change in leadership as the government approaches three years in power, he said the matter had not been discussed. He said: “I never discussed this issue. The Prime Minister and I said that we will accept anything and whenever the high command decides, we will adhere to it.”
Speculation about the leadership has continued in recent months, especially after the government passed the halfway point of its five-year term in November 2025, along with reports of a power-sharing understanding at the time of the government’s formation.
There is speculation within the party and political circles about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when the results of assembly elections in four states and one union territory, along with bypolls to the two Assembly segments in Karnataka, will be announced.
He declined to comment when asked if any “good news” could be expected by his birthday on May 15.
He also warned party workers against putting up flex banners on the occasion of his birthday on May 15. “On May 15, I want to tell everyone that no one should put up flex banners or advertisements on the occasion of my birthday. If the flex banners are installed, I will ensure that the authorities register cases against officials, whether they are party workers or followers… No one should put such things on roads, this is my personal request,” he said, adding that civic authorities have been directed to impose fines for violations.
Separately, Shivakumar said the Karnataka government has submitted 1,082 urban development projects to the Center at an estimated cost. $1.25 million crores. During his visit to Delhi, he met Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on April 25 to discuss plans for Bengaluru and other cities.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that the central government has allocated $1 lakh crore under Urban Challenge Fund, of which $Rs 5,000 crore has been allocated for Karnataka.
“Certain criteria have been identified, and we have submitted proposals for 1,082 projects out of the total project cost $The Center is expected to contribute Rs 1.25 lakh crore $“Rs 32,000-35,000 crore,” he said, adding that the state is ready to use additional funds if other states do not avail their share.
