New Delhi: Amid rising speculation and internal rumblings within the Karnataka Congress, the party high command has put an end to all chatter about a possible leadership change in the state. Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Singh Surjewala, who was dispatched to Bengaluru as the party’s troubleshooter, categorically stated on Tuesday that Siddaramaiah will remain the Chief Minister and that there is no plan to replace him. Surjewala made the announcement during a press briefing, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar—at the center of the leadership debate—seated beside him.
Sources within the Congress leadership also confirmed that the high command is fully focused on governance and has no intention of disturbing the current arrangement. However, they acknowledged growing pressure from Shivakumar’s camp, which is pushing hard for a leadership transition. “DK Shivakumar is trying hard to mobilize his supporters to speak up,” a senior Congress source revealed, adding that while the leadership is not considering replacing Siddaramaiah, discussions are underway for changes within the cabinet and the party’s Karnataka unit.
The crux of the internal tug-of-war lies in differing opinions on a potential cabinet reshuffle. While Siddaramaiah supports the move—likely to reinforce his authority for the remainder of the government’s term until 2028—Shivakumar is reportedly against it, viewing it as a move to sideline his influence.
Supporters of DK Shivakumar have become increasingly vocal, with MLA Iqbal Hussain asserting that over 100 of the 138 Congress MLAs are backing Shivakumar for the top post. Hussain warned that failure to act now could cost the party dearly in the 2028 state elections. “If the change doesn’t happen now, Congress cannot return to power in 2028. This is needed in the party’s interest,” he told NDTV, adding that he would discuss the issue directly with Surjewala.
Despite the noise, Siddaramaiah appears unfazed. Speaking from Mysuru, he brushed aside the buzz about a leadership change and reaffirmed the stability of his government. “This government will be as solid as a rock for five years,” he declared, holding hands with Shivakumar in a show of unity. “We are on good terms,” he added, dismissing claims that tensions between the two leaders were escalating. “We don’t listen to what others say.”
The current unrest has roots in the aftermath of the Congress party’s sweeping win in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. At the time, DK Shivakumar was widely seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post due to his crucial role in the party’s victory. However, after intense negotiations, the Congress high command convinced him to accept the positions of Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President.
Reports had emerged then about a possible rotational Chief Minister arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, but no such agreement was ever officially confirmed by the party.
As Surjewala meets with state MLAs to defuse the growing tension, pro-Shivakumar legislators continue to push for Siddaramaiah’s ouster, demanding that the leadership transition take place immediately to ensure electoral success in the future.
For now, however, the Congress high command has drawn a firm line: Siddaramaiah stays. Whether that will cool the tempers brewing within the party or simply postpone the inevitable clash remains to be seen.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
