Amid growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka and a leaked video of Congress MLA BR Patil that has sparked a political row, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday declared that he will remain in office until the end of his tenure. A leaked phone call featuring Patil on Tuesday fuelled further speculation of internal discord within the state Congress unit. Patil made shocking revelations about Siddaramaiah, which have caused political upheaval in the state. While Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserted that the Congress party is “united” and that there are no internal factions, Patil’s remarks suggested otherwise.
When asked if he will remain as the CM for 5 years, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah responded, “Yes, I will. Why do you have a doubt?”
He added that his government will remain for five years like a rock, calling all the allegations as “lies.” Siddaramaiah also clarified that the state cabinet meeting held in Bengaluru was part of a series of divisional meetings across Karnataka.
“We did cabinet meetings in the western region. Today, we are holding one in the Bengaluru division. After some days, we will hold a meeting in the Belagavi division also. We are also discussing holding a meeting at Vijayapura,” he added.
When asked if he will remain as the CM for 5 years, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says, "Yes, I will. Why do you have a doubt?"
(Pic Source: Karnataka CMO) pic.twitter.com/N0YrnQ6wIW
— ANI (@ANI) July 2, 2025
Notably, in a video, which was recorded during Patil’s visit to Mandya, he is heard saying that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s fortune were good that’s why he became the Chief Minister. The MLA has asserted that it was him who had introduced him (Siddaramaiah) to the CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
“Siddaramaiah hit a lottery. I was the one who introduced him to Sonia Gandhi. His fortunes were good and he became the Chief Minister. I have no Godfather or God. I met (Randeep Singh) Surjewala and said everything I had to. They heard me out with patience, let’s see what happens,” said MLA Patil in the video as reported by NDTV.
What Has Happened So Far?
Speculation over internal strife within the state Congress unit had begun following Minister KN Rajanna’s recent remarks. Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna sparked controversy by claiming the rise of multiple power centres within the party’s state unit.
Without naming anyone, Rajanna said, “Between 2013 and 2018, there was just one power centre. Today, there are one, two, three and several power centres.” He further added that when these power centres multiply, the “push and pull” within the party also intensifies.
The minister also appeared to take a veiled swipe at Siddaramaiah’s leadership, stating that many feel the Siddaramaiah of today is not the same as the one between 2013 and 2018.
The remarks made by Rajanna regarding political changes in the state were rejected by Siddaramaiah earlier. He had asserted that Rajanna only hinted at the possible development, but didn’t mention anything specific. Siddaramaiah had clarified that there is no internal dispute in the party and Rajanna’s statement should be ignored.
“There is no internal dispute in the party. Minister KN Rajanna has said that there may be developments in state politics. He said that he did not say that something like this would happen. It would be better to ignore his statement,” stated Siddaramaiah.
