Bengaluru, April 8 -- Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday avoided engaging with speculation over a possible change in the state's leadership, as he wrapped up the Congress's campaign for the upcoming by-election in Davangere South assembly constituency.

With polling scheduled on April 9 in both constituencies (Davangere South and Bagalkot), Shivakumar, in response to a question on whether the outcome of the by-elections could lead to a change in the chief minister;s post, said: "There is no need to make an issue... I have already said that time will answer it."

He also declined to respond to remarks by other leaders, including state minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, who have said Siddaramaiah would remain chief minister until 2028....