Congress President Kharge on Karnataka Leadership Speculation

Bengaluru: Speculation surrounding a potential change in leadership within the Congress government in Karnataka continues to persist. On Sunday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the party's high command would determine any necessary decisions regarding the chief minister's position, adding that he had no further comments on the matter.

Kharge's remarks followed a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that lasted over an hour, held a day earlier. Addressing reporters outside his residence, Kharge expressed that he had nothing to add regarding recent developments, stating, "Whatever it is, the high command will do it. There is no need for you to worry more about it."

The speculation regarding a change in chief minister has intensified as the Congress government recently reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. This milestone has reignited discussions about the power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Following his meeting with Kharge, Siddaramaiah responded to inquiries about his tenure, indicating his willingness to abide by any decisions made by the party's leadership. However, he characterised the ongoing discussion about a leadership change as mere speculation, asserting that it was largely driven by media narratives.

The recent meetings have occurred against a backdrop of reports that several MLAs aligned with Shivakumar had travelled to Delhi to speak with Kharge, coinciding with the completion of 2.5 years in office for the Congress government. Shivakumar himself has denied any knowledge of these legislators' visits.

On Sunday, two ministers, H.C. Mahadevappa and K. Venkatesh, who are considered close allies of Siddaramaiah, also met with Kharge. Following their discussions, Mahadevappa stated that there was currently no situation necessitating a change in chief minister. He emphasised that if such a scenario were to develop, it would ultimately be up to the Congress high command to make that determination.

Describing their meeting as a courtesy call, Mahadevappa explained that discussions primarily centred around organisational matters and preparations for upcoming local body elections. When questioned about potential discussions regarding leadership changes or cabinet reshuffles, he firmly stated, "None of them were discussed...there is no race for the CM post."

Mahadevappa further asserted that there was no immediate concern regarding a leadership change, claiming that Siddaramaiah was effectively managing his responsibilities as chief minister. He added, "If such a situation arises, the high command will take a decision, but such a situation is not there right now."

The minister also dismissed the idea of a signature campaign within the party to gauge opinions on a potential change in leadership, stating, "No one has called or contacted us so far."

He expressed confidence in the Congress party's ability to complete its full term and anticipated a return to power in the 2028 elections, asserting that Siddaramaiah would remain in office until that time.

While Siddaramaiah is advocating for a reshuffle of his cabinet, Shivakumar is reportedly seeking clarification on any decisions regarding leadership before proceeding. According to various party insiders, if the Congress high command approves a cabinet reshuffle, it may indicate that Siddaramaiah will serve the full five-year term, thereby diminishing Shivakumar's chances of ascending to the chief ministership.

Following the Congress victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were strong contenders for the chief minister position. Ultimately, the party selected Siddaramaiah for the role and appointed Shivakumar as his deputy. There were unconfirmed reports at that time regarding a potential agreement for a "rotational chief minister," which suggested that Shivakumar might assume the position after two-and-a-half years.