Fresh speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka has resurfaced after posters proclaiming "Next CM DKS" appeared across parts of Bengaluru ahead of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's birthday celebrations this month.
The posters, put up by supporters of the Karnataka Congress chief, have once again brought the simmering power tussle within the ruling Congress into sharp focus.
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The renewed campaign comes amid persistent rumours of a power-sharing arrangement between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when the Congress formed the government in 2023.
With the government nearing the halfway mark of its five-year term, political circles in the state are abuzz with talk of a possible leadership transition or cabinet reshuffle.
Supporters of Shivakumar, including several party legislators, have openly backed him for the top post, intensifying factional undercurrents within the state unit.
While some Congress workers have rallied behind the “Next CM DKS” slogan, others continue to endorse Siddaramaiah's leadership and push for continuity.
Last month, Shivakumar sought to downplay the speculation, asserting that both he and the chief minister would abide by any decision taken by the Congress high command.
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He had expressed complete faith in the party leadership, saying the high command would take “an appropriate decision at the appropriate time.”
Senior Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal, are understood to be closely monitoring the situation as the party attempts to maintain unity amid growing leadership chatter in Karnataka.
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