CM change debate gains weight as Kharge acknowledges high-level review in Karnataka

Amid intensifying speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, it was stated by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday that the issue would be resolved after top-level discussions with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

The remarks made by Kharge have elevated the Karnataka leadership churn from a realm of political rumour to one of formal consideration within the party’s top decision-making circle. By indicating that consultations would be held with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi before a resolution is reached, Kharge has effectively acknowledged that the matter is alive and requires intervention at the highest level, a signal that internal unease over a possible power-sharing arrangement involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has not been dismissed by the central leadership. While the comment does not confirm that a change of chief minister is imminent, it places the debate firmly within the domain of serious internal deliberation, suggesting that the Congress high command is now compelled to weigh governance stability, factional balance, and electoral strategy before delivering what could be a politically significant decision for the state.

In recent weeks, the power tussle within the ruling Congress has been increasingly highlighted, with murmurs regarding a leadership shift resurfacing after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. The speculation has been tied to an alleged “power-sharing” deal said to have been reached in 2023 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

Kharge, responding to questions on the subject, told PTI that a collective decision would be taken by the high command and that the issue would be resolved accordingly.

Talk of a leadership rift within the Karnataka government has not subsided, with Siddaramaiah repeatedly placing responsibility on the party high command to end the “confusion”. Shivakumar, meanwhile, has been quoted as saying that a “secret deal between five or six of us” existed within the party regarding power sharing.

When questioned on legislators backing Shivakumar travelling to Delhi, Siddaramaiah said that such travel was permitted and that MLAs were free to express their opinions. It was reiterated by him that the final decision rested with the high command, and leaders would abide by whatever was decided. On a faction of legislators appealing to the central leadership to settle the matter, Siddaramaiah said that all views should be conveyed to the high command, as only its decision could put a “full stop” to the ongoing confusion.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, said that he preferred not to speak publicly on the matter, citing the existence of a “secret deal” between a small group of senior leaders. It was expressed by him that he relied on his conscience and had no wish to weaken or embarrass the party, emphasising that the organisation and its workers remained the true foundation of political strength.

Speaking in Kanakapura, his home constituency, Shivakumar added that Siddaramaiah, who had already spoken on the issue, was a senior leader and an asset to the Congress. He pointed out that Siddaramaiah had completed 7.5 years as chief minister, including his earlier term from 2013 to 2018.

On Siddaramaiah’s indication that he would be presenting the next budget as well, Shivakumar expressed satisfaction and noted the chief minister’s past contributions as opposition leader and party organiser. He reiterated that the collective focus should remain on the 2028 Assembly polls and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

When asked whether a power-sharing agreement had been finalised after the 2023 Assembly elections, Shivakumar said there was no need for him to speak on the matter, noting that the media had already written widely about it.