Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday dismissed persistent speculation of a mid-term leadership change, telling reporters in Bengaluru that he will remain in office for the full five-year term. “Yes, I will be the Chief Minister for five years. Do you have any doubt?” he said, seeking to quell talk of a rotational arrangement within the ruling Indian National Congress. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar publicly backed the chief minister, saying he has “no option” but to support Siddaramaiah and the party high command. Shivakumar, who is also state Congress president, added that party discipline is paramount and warned that notices will be issued to legislators who air demands for a change in leadership. A show-cause notice has already been served to Ramanagara MLA H.A. Iqbal Hussain for advocating that Shivakumar replace Siddaramaiah. Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, is holding one-on-one meetings with party lawmakers, which he described as routine organisational reviews rather than deliberations on a cabinet reshuffle or leadership transition. The statements from Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar aim to tamp down internal rumblings as the government completes just over two years of its term and turns its focus to preparations for the 2028 state elections.