Amid persistent speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge clarified that any decision on replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be taken collectively by the party’s high command after assessing political and administrative factors.
Kharge’s statement came while addressing reporters in New Delhi on Monday, as multiple Karnataka Congress MLAs and ministers have reportedly expressed concerns over governance, coordination, and upcoming electoral strategies.
Context Of The Leadership Debate
The Congress government in Karnataka, led by CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, has been in power for over a year since its emphatic victory in the May 2024 Assembly elections. However, internal rifts have resurfaced over:
- Performance evaluation of ministers and the CM
- Alleged lack of coordination between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions
- Strategic reshuffle plans ahead of local body and parliamentary elections
Responding to questions on whether the party is contemplating a leadership change, Kharge said:
“We have a collective leadership system. The high command will assess and decide what is best for the party, the government, and the people of Karnataka.”
Key Highlights Of Kharge’s Statement
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Leadership decision | High command to take final call |
| On Siddaramaiah’s continuation | No official discussion yet on replacement |
| On DK Shivakumar’s aspirations | “He is a capable leader. We will consider everyone’s strengths.” |
| Governance review | Routine review of performance underway |
Political Underpinnings Of CM Change Buzz
- Power-sharing formula:
In 2024, it was speculated that Siddaramaiah would continue as CM for 2.5 years before Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is elevated for the remaining tenure. However, no formal agreement was publicly announced. - Factional Equations:
- Siddaramaiah commands support among AHINDA (minority, backward classes, Dalit) voters.
- DK Shivakumar wields organisational control as KPCC President with a strong Vokkaliga base.
- Upcoming Elections Pressure:
With Lok Sabha elections approaching in 2029, the Congress high command wants maximum coordination to retain its Karnataka stronghold, where it won 20 out of 28 seats in 2024.
Statements From Key Karnataka Leaders
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar
In response to Kharge’s comment, Shivakumar said:
“Our AICC President has clearly stated the party’s stand. We are committed to a collective approach and to continue the good work for Karnataka’s people.”
CM Siddaramaiah
He downplayed rumours, saying:
“I am working with the blessings of the people and the party. There is no question of any leadership change at this moment.”
Factors High Command May Consider Before Any Change
| Factor | Implication |
|---|---|
| Governance delivery | Flagship guarantees implementation, welfare schemes effectiveness |
| Factional unity | Avoiding infighting between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar loyalists |
| Caste calculations | Balancing AHINDA, Vokkaliga, and Lingayat equations |
| Electoral strategy | Preparing for Lok Sabha and panchayat elections |
| Public perception | Maintaining stability to avoid BJP resurgence |
Congress’s Strategic Dilemma
Political analysts note that the Congress faces a classic dilemma:
- Changing CM mid-term could consolidate opposition narratives on instability, especially with BJP eyeing a comeback.
- Not honouring internal power-sharing could alienate Shivakumar’s faction and damage grassroots mobilisation.
- A reshuffle or performance review without leadership change might temporarily contain dissent.
Statements From Political Analysts
Prof. Harish Ramaswamy, Karnataka University:
“Kharge’s statement indicates the Congress is keeping all options open. Siddaramaiah remains popular, but Shivakumar’s organisational grip is crucial for elections.”
Rajeev Gowda, Former MP:
“It is essential that the party focuses on delivery and united messaging rather than internal power wrangling.”
BJP’s Response
The opposition BJP has seized on the leadership debate to criticise the Congress government, accusing it of prioritising internal politics over governance.
Former CM Basavaraj Bommai stated:
“People are seeing Congress leaders fighting for power instead of focusing on development. Karnataka deserves a stable, decisive government.”
Possible Scenarios Ahead
- Status Quo Maintained: Siddaramaiah continues as CM with a cabinet reshuffle to placate factions.
- Power Transfer To Shivakumar: Congress implements a rotational CM formula before panchayat elections.
- New Leadership Alternative: In an unexpected move, Congress could project a consensus third candidate to balance factions.
Recent Developments Impacting Decision
- Implementation hurdles in five guarantees, particularly Gruha Lakshmi and Yuva Nidhi schemes, have attracted public criticism.
- Lingayat community leaders have raised concerns over political representation post-election.
- Party insiders cite DK Shivakumar’s active lobbying with central leadership to ensure his elevation aligns with past commitments.
Congress High Command’s Stance
Under Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress has emphasised a collective decision-making approach. Sources indicate that:
- Sonia Gandhi has advised maintaining stability unless public anger mounts.
- Rahul Gandhi is focused on preparing for upcoming state elections in Haryana and Maharashtra before tackling Karnataka leadership issues.
Recent Karnataka Performance Indicators
| Sector | Achievements/Concerns |
|---|---|
| Welfare guarantees | ~75% implementation rate, delays in direct benefit transfers |
| Fiscal deficit | Rising subsidy burden flagged by RBI |
| Industrial investments | ₹35,000 crore MoUs signed in Q1 2025 |
| Public perception | CM Siddaramaiah’s approval ~58%, Dy CM Shivakumar ~54% |
(Source: C-Voter Karnataka July 2025 survey)
Key Takeaways
- Mallikarjun Kharge clarified that the Congress high command will decide any leadership change in Karnataka, keeping party interests above individual ambitions.
- The leadership debate underscores factional equations between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar.
- Any decision will balance governance delivery, caste equations, and upcoming electoral strategies.
- The Congress aims to maintain unity to counter BJP’s aggressive campaigns for the next Lok Sabha and panchayat polls.
What’s Next?
Kharge is expected to hold meetings with Karnataka’s top leaders in New Delhi next week for a routine performance review and to finalise plans for district panchayat elections. No immediate leadership change announcement is anticipated, but factional negotiations will continue behind closed doors.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational and editorial purposes only. Data are sourced from party statements, Karnataka government briefings, and political analyst inputs. Readers are advised to refer to official Congress press releases for final decisions and policy announcements.
