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CM change: Siddaramaiah rejects speculation of 'political' revolution, calls it 'delusion'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 12:33 GMT by ThePrint
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Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Calls “Political Revolution” Speculation a Delusion

By ThePrint Staff — 31 May 2023

The political chatter that has been swirling around Karnataka since the BJP’s landslide victory in the 2023 assembly elections has hit a new low. Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah—now the head of the Indian National Congress—has publicly dismissed the notion that the state is on the brink of a “political revolution.” In a candid interview with ThePrint, the veteran politician called the speculation a “delusion” and urged citizens to look beyond the rhetoric that has begun to dominate social media and partisan commentaries.

The Context: BJP’s Resounding Win and a Weakened Congress

The BJP, under the leadership of Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, secured 123 seats out of 224 in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, a figure that underscored the party’s dominance across the state. The Congress, led by Siddaramaiah since 2022, managed only 52 seats, while the Janata Dal (Secular) captured 20 seats and other smaller parties filled the balance. This outcome was seen by many as a stark repudiation of Congress’s governance record and a signal that the party will have to undertake significant introspection and restructuring.

The immediate reaction to the BJP’s triumph was one of incredulity on the part of the opposition. Some commentators, especially within Congress circles, suggested that a “political revolution” was imminent—a sweeping upheaval that would topple the BJP administration in a matter of months. A blog post on ThePrint titled “Political Revolution in Karnataka? A Myth or Reality?”—linked in the current article—spurred the debate and prompted Siddaramaiah to step into the fray.

Siddaramaiah’s Response

In a 30‑minute sit‑down with ThePrint’s senior correspondent, Siddaramaiah expressed what he called “unshakeable confidence in the democratic process.” He said:

“It is a delusion to believe that there is a revolution brewing in Karnataka. Our democracy is built on the will of the people, and that will be respected by every party that wishes to participate in it.”

The former chief minister, who served the state from 2013 to 2018, recounted his tenure as one of “service and progressive governance.” He highlighted achievements such as the implementation of the Gowda Prathama scheme, the introduction of the Karnataka Digital Mission, and the expansion of the state’s public health network.

While acknowledging the BJP’s decisive win, Siddaramaiah cautioned against a narrative that paints the state’s political landscape as a volatile battlefield. He urged Congress supporters to focus on policy proposals and public outreach rather than speculative rhetoric. “Revolution,” he added, “is not a word that belongs to a democratic polity.”

Linking Back to the Bigger Picture

The article also references several key pieces that have fueled the “revolution” narrative:

• “Karnataka Elections: BJP Emerges Victorious” – A detailed report on the electoral math that laid bare the BJP’s consolidation of power.
• “Siddaramaiah: The New Congress President” – An in‑depth profile that tracks Siddaramaiah’s transition from a state legislator to the national face of a once‑dominant party.
• “Political Revolution: Myth vs Reality” – A blog post that examines the rhetoric of upheaval in Indian politics, highlighting similar claims in the states of Telangana and West Bengal.

These pieces collectively paint a picture of a Congress that is grappling with identity in a post‑BJP era. The party’s leadership has been trying to balance between re‑engaging a disaffected base and courting younger voters who favor a new breed of political leaders.

The Broader Implications

Siddaramaiah’s remarks have already sparked a wave of commentaries across political blogs and news outlets. Some analysts point out that his dismissal of the revolution narrative could be strategic, aimed at projecting a calm, measured front to a party that has been accused of internal factionalism. Others see it as a genuine attempt to steer the opposition away from conspiratorial thinking and back toward constructive policy debate.

The BJP, for its part, has maintained a steady course, focusing on governance metrics such as infrastructure development and economic growth. Chief Minister Bommai’s government has announced a series of initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and promoting digital literacy. However, critics argue that the BJP’s focus has been uneven, with significant portions of the state—especially the rural hinterlands—remaining underdeveloped.

In the broader context of national politics, Siddaramaiah’s statement underscores a growing tension between democratic institutions and populist rhetoric. With the next general elections looming on the horizon, the ability of the opposition to present a credible, united front will be essential if it hopes to regain traction in states like Karnataka.

Bottom Line

Siddaramaiah’s call for a return to “democratic realism” may be an attempt to curb the alarmist tone that has been prevalent in Karnataka’s political discourse. Whether the Congress can rally around a policy‑driven narrative remains to be seen, but the former chief minister’s words signal a clear rejection of the “political revolution” thesis—at least for now. As the state navigates the aftermath of a decisive BJP victory, the focus will inevitably shift from speculation to substantive governance.

For more in‑depth coverage on Karnataka’s political landscape, read our feature on “Karnataka Elections: BJP Emerges Victorious” and the accompanying analysis on “Political Revolution: Myth vs Reality.”