Siddaramaiah affirms Congress high command will decide his future as Karnataka CM

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday reiterated that his continuation in office rests solely on the decision of the Congress high command , asserting his readiness to present two more state budgets if permitted.

Speaking to reporters, the CM expressed confidence that the upcoming bypolls in Bagalkot and Davanagere South will tilt in Congress’s favor. “We will win both constituencies. I will begin campaigning from March 30,” he said, outlining his schedule across the state and even a brief trip to Kerala for election engagements.

Addressing speculation that the bypoll results could serve as a referendum on his 2.5-year tenure , Siddaramaiah dismissed the idea. Citing earlier by-elections in November 2024, where the opposition BJP-JD(S) lost all three seats they previously held , he argued that the electorate’s preference for Congress was evident. “The polls are yet to be held, but in any election, Congress will certainly win. We will also succeed in 2028,” he added confidently.

When asked if bypoll outcomes would influence leadership changes within the state Congress, he clarified that the two issues were entirely unrelated . On his statement about presenting two more budgets, he emphasized party discipline: “Let them give permission; we will see. Ours is a high command party, and everyone should abide by its decisions.” Siddaramaiah also holds the Finance portfolio and had presented his record 17th budget earlier this month.

The CM addressed local party dynamics, noting that all disputes in the Davanagere South unit had been resolved, and former rebel candidate Sadiq Pailwan had withdrawn from the contest.

On education reforms, Siddaramaiah defended the replacement of the marks system for the third language in SSLC exams with a grading system, clarifying that it would not affect students’ overall results. “We are not opposed to learning Hindi, but exams in the language should not be compulsory for marks,” he said.

Responding to concerns about drug-related crime following a police crackdown in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace and ensuring perpetrators face strict action.

With the bypolls scheduled for April 9 , all eyes will be on Congress’s performance in Bagalkot and Davanagere South, and whether it strengthens Siddaramaiah’s position ahead of the remaining tenure of his government.