Fri Oct 03 08:54:10 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Karnataka’s political scene is heating up with speculation of a leadership change within the ruling Congress party. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok (BJP) claims Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have a power-sharing agreement, but Siddaramaiah is resisting relinquishing his position. Ashok also criticized the government’s handling of flood relief efforts, accusing them of neglecting affected areas and failing to provide adequate compensation. He stated the BJP would not attempt to form a government if the Congress collapses, preferring to face elections.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Opposition Claims Leadership Change Imminent, Criticizes Flood Relief Efforts**

**Belagavi, October 3, 2025** – The political landscape in Karnataka is facing turmoil, according to claims from the Leader of Opposition, R. Ashok of the BJP. Speaking in Belagavi after surveying flood-affected regions, Mr. Ashok stated he has “definite information” that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be replaced by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar within the next two months, citing a pre-existing power-sharing agreement.

“Mr. Shivakumar wants to become the Chief Minister, but the Chief Minister is not allowing that. That is why there is a big internal fight within the Karnataka Congress,” Ashok alleged. He further stated that supporters of Shivakumar who are alluding a leadership change are being sidelined.

This comes days after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted he would serve his full term. The KPCC had also issued notices to two Congress leaders who had made comments on the topic of leadership change.

Despite the apparent internal strife within the ruling party, Mr. Ashok declared that the BJP would not seek to form a government if the Congress administration falls. “We will not form the government. We are ready to go to the polls,” he said.

Ashok was sharply critical of the current government’s response to recent floods, accusing them of neglecting affected citizens and failing to provide adequate compensation. “The State Government has run out of money. Congress MLAs themselves are saying that they have not received funds for development,” he stated. He further criticized the government for not fixing potholes in Bengaluru and ignoring damage to houses in flood-hit areas.

“The Chief Minister has not yet spoken about the extent of damage to houses in flood-hit areas… If Mr. Siddaramaiah is a responsible person, he should have released compensation,” Ashok said.

The BJP will be sending a delegation to visit flood-affected areas in Belagavi and Vijayapura districts to assess the extent of crop loss and speak with farmers, according to Mr. Ashok. He contrasted the current government’s response with that of the previous BJP administration under B.S. Yediyurappa, which he said increased compensation for house collapses and provided immediate relief.

He also addressed claims that Hassan suffered widespread damage due to a landslide. “Instead of helping the victims, Mr. Siddaramaiah is going around blaming the Union Government. The Union government can release compensation only after the State Government submits a comprehensive report, but the State is yet to do that,” he said.

The comments come at a sensitive time for Karnataka’s government and raises serious questions about the stability of the current administration. The Hindu has reached out to the Chief Minister’s office and Mr. Shivakumar’s office for comment but has not received a response as of press time.

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