Party Will Call Them If Needed: Kharge on Karnataka’s Ongoing Leadership Speculation

New Delhi (Fikrokhabar News): Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday said that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar could be called to Delhi for discussions if the party feels it is necessary to address the ongoing speculation over leadership in the state.

Responding to questions from reporters on whether the two leaders would be summoned to the national capital, Kharge said, “Whenever there is a need, the party will call them.” His statement comes amid renewed discussions within political circles about a possible power-sharing arrangement or leadership change in Karnataka.

Earlier, Kharge had dismissed reports of a power struggle in the state, stating that there was no internal conflict but only some uncertainty regarding leadership at the state level. He had stressed that the responsibility to manage the situation lies with the state leadership and that local leaders should take ownership of resolving any issues.

Following the Congress’s return to power in Karnataka in 2023, there were reports that the party’s top leadership had finalised a 2.5-year rotational arrangement for the Chief Minister’s post between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. However, both leaders have consistently denied the existence of any such formal agreement.

Speculation has intensified since November last year, when the Siddaramaiah government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term. Several Congress MLAs believed to be loyal to Shivakumar had also visited Delhi, reportedly urging the party leadership to consider a change at the state level.

As talks of a leadership change continue, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have held at least two meetings to ease tensions and project unity. Both leaders have repeatedly denied reports of personal rivalry and have maintained that they are working together in the interest of the government and the party.

Siddaramaiah, Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister, has expressed confidence that he will complete his full five-year term, while acknowledging that the final decision rests with the Congress high command.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar—who also serves as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president—met Kharge again last month, reigniting speculation about possible changes in the state’s leadership. Speaking recently, Shivakumar said his rise in politics was the result of hard work and expressed confidence in the Congress party’s future decisions regarding his role.