Siddaramaiah continues to hold the position of Karnataka Chief Minister due to a combination of political strategy, strong mass appeal, and favorable circumstances within the Congress party. One of the primary reasons is his deep-rooted support among the AHINDA communities—an acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. These groups represent a large voter base in Karnataka, and Siddaramaiah’s welfare-centric policies have consistently resonated with them. This backing alone gives him influence over nearly 70% of assembly constituencies, making him indispensable to the party’s southern strategy.
Another key factor is his enduring popularity among the general electorate. Multiple pre-election and post-election surveys showed Siddaramaiah as the preferred Chief Ministerial candidate, with support levels far surpassing any other Congress leader in the state. His proven administrative experience, having presented a record 13 state budgets and completed a full five-year term previously (2013–2018), reinforces the public’s trust in his leadership.
In addition, the Congress high command views him as a unifying figure capable of holding the government together amidst internal factionalism. While Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is a powerful figure within the party, he is currently under scrutiny from federal agencies like the CBI and ED. Promoting him to the top job could risk unwanted controversies and legal distractions. Thus, the Congress leadership prefers to maintain the status quo until the situation stabilizes.
Siddaramaiah’s personal ambitions also play a role in his continued leadership. He is reportedly keen on surpassing Devraj Urs in terms of tenure and legacy, aiming to be remembered as one of Karnataka’s longest-serving and most impactful Chief Ministers. This has motivated him to push forward with key social schemes and cultural initiatives that appeal to both rural and urban voters. His efforts to promote Kannada language pride, fund Urdu-medium schools, and implement economic welfare programs have reinforced his image as a leader for all communities.
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Another reason lies in the strategic timing and optics of leadership change. Any sudden shift in leadership could be seen as a sign of instability—something the Congress party wants to avoid, especially with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections behind them and focus turning toward consolidation at the state level. Moreover, with no large-scale public dissatisfaction visible, the party has little incentive to alter a winning formula.
Ultimately, Siddaramaiah remains CM because he delivers a rare mix of political mass base, governance experience, and stability—qualities the Congress cannot afford to gamble with right now. His continued presence in the top post not only secures Congress’ current standing in Karnataka but also strengthens its Southern political narrative heading into future elections.
