India, July 11 -- Amid mounting speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday made it clear there is "no vacancy" for the top post, putting to rest reports suggesting a possible mid-term power shift to Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Siddaramaiah firmly stated, "I am the Chief Minister of Karnataka. D.K. Shivakumar has also said the same. There is no vacancy for the CM post." His remarks come amid rumours that he may step down in November when the Congress government completes 2.5 years, allowing Shivakumar to take over as part of an alleged power-sharing deal.

Siddaramaiah emphasized that Congress general secretary in charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, has...