No Immediate Change in Karnataka Leadership, Says Kharge Amid Speculation
Congress chief signals patience as talks on state leadership continue
Mallikarjun Kharge has ruled out any immediate change in leadership in Karnataka, even as speculation continues over a possible reshuffle in the ruling Congress government.
The Indian National Congress president said that while discussions on the issue are ongoing, no decision has been made for now. He added that any move regarding a change in Chief Minister would take time and would be decided collectively by senior party leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
Kharge’s remarks come amid growing political chatter about a potential leadership change after May 4, when results of assembly elections in several states and a union territory, along with bypolls in Karnataka, are expected.
Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have been pushing for his elevation, citing a reported power sharing understanding reached when the Congress formed the government in 2023 under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Responding to comments by Home Minister G Parameshwara suggesting that Kharge himself could be a suitable Chief Minister, the Congress leader dismissed the idea for now. He said there is already a Chief Minister in place and such a question does not arise at present.
Kharge emphasized that any leadership decision would depend on party leadership and require careful consideration. “Let us wait and see,” he told reporters.
The issue has gained momentum as the Congress government in Karnataka crossed the halfway mark of its term in November 2025, a point often seen as significant in power sharing discussions.
Meanwhile, reacting to remarks by H D Kumaraswamy about several Congress MLAs allegedly planning to travel to Delhi amid the speculation, Kharge said he was not aware of such developments and advised seeking details from Kumaraswamy himself.