States » SouthPosted at: Sep 18 2026 10:27AM


Siddaramaiah admits limits of influence in Shivakumar govt

Bengaluru, Sep 18 (UNI) Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appeared to acknowledge the limits of his influence in the DK Shivakumar-led government, saying he knows "how much will happen and how much will not" despite making efforts to get his demands implemented.
The candid remark, made at a programme organised by Dalit newspaper editors here, assumes significance amid the continuing debate over the caste survey and the shifting political equations within the ruling Congress.
Siddaramaiah, who served as Chief Minister twice, said he was no longer in office and indicated that getting demands implemented under the present government would also depend on the willingness of the incumbent Chief Minister.
"Many have said that their word will prevail. I am also saying that. But how much will happen and how much will not, I know. Still, we will make an effort," he was quoted as saying.
The remark is significant because Siddaramaiah had earlier expressed confidence that Shivakumar and ministers belonging to backward communities would listen to his views on the caste survey and ensure its implementation.
"I have faith and confidence that they will listen to my words. It should be implemented," he had said while speaking on the issue.
The contrast between the two statements has brought the spotlight back on Siddaramaiah's political influence after the change in leadership and the balance of authority within the Congress government.
Siddaramaiah's latest remarks indicate that while he can continue to push issues politically, he does not have the executive authority he exercised as Chief Minister to ensure that his views translate into government decisions.
The caste survey is particularly significant in this context. Siddaramaiah has consistently backed implementation of the survey and its recommendations and has publicly pressed the government to act on the issue.
His latest statement, however, suggests that his role in taking the issue forward is now one of persuasion rather than executive decision-making.
The former Chief Minister has been one of the most prominent Congress leaders in Karnataka and has exercised considerable political influence over the years, including during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition.
His latest remarks therefore provide a glimpse into the changed political reality following the leadership transition, with the final executive authority now resting with the Shivakumar government.
The comments also come amid continuing political discussion over the relationship between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar and the distribution of political authority within the ruling Congress.
While Siddaramaiah continues to remain a senior Congress leader and an influential voice on social and policy issues, his latest remarks underline the distinction between political influence and executive power.
There has been no indication from the Congress that Siddaramaiah has withdrawn from active politics or that his organisational role has been formally reduced.
However, his admission that he knows "how much will happen and how much will not" gives fresh significance to questions over how much influence he can exercise over major decisions of the present government.
The remarks are likely to keep the focus on the evolving power equations within the Congress and Siddaramaiah's role in the Shivakumar government.
UNI BDN
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