India, July 2 -- Amid growing political speculation over a possible mid-term change in Karnataka's leadership, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made it clear that he intends to serve his full five-year term, putting to rest persistent rumours of a power transition to his deputy, D K Shivakumar.

Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah dismissed the talk of a leadership change as baseless. "I will continue as Chief Minister for the full term, five years. Is there any doubt about that?" he said, offering a direct rebuttal to speculation that the Congress high command might be considering a switch before the next Assembly polls scheduled for 2028.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who has often been seen as a contender for the top post, also...