Karnataka CM Shivakumar Rules Out Rift With Siddaramaiah Amid Political Speculation

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday dismissed reports of differences with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, asserting that there were no disagreements between them, either major or minor.

Responding to questions about their alleged strained relationship and reports that the two leaders had stopped communicating, Shivakumar said certain people were deliberately creating such an impression. He described Siddaramaiah as their leader and clarified that he had discussed various issues with him to explain matters and brief him on recent developments.

"There is no disagreement of any kind, neither a major one nor a minor one," Shivakumar said, adding that some Opposition leaders were attempting to create misunderstandings between them. He also maintained that criticism and political opposition were necessary for ensuring clean politics.

His remarks came after a one-and-a-half-hour meeting with Siddaramaiah, which has drawn attention amid an alleged sting operation that reportedly tarnished the former Chief Minister's image.

The controversy escalated after police initially arrested some members of the JD(S) social media team in connection with the issue. Subsequently, Union Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of protecting party leaders allegedly involved in the sting operation rather than targeting those responsible.

Following Kumaraswamy's allegations, police questioned Congress leader Kripa Alva, who had expressed interest in contesting the Assembly election from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district on a Congress ticket.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah and his son, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, had reportedly blamed Congress leaders for orchestrating the smear campaign against the former Chief Minister.

Against this backdrop, Shivakumar's clarification assumes significance as speculation continues over the relationship between the two senior Congress leaders. However, the Chief Minister maintained that there was no rift between them and that certain political elements were attempting to portray their relationship differently.