‘Only Media Speculation’: Siddaramaiah Meets Kharge, Dismisses Karnataka Leadership Change Talk | Politics News

There has been much speculation about a possible leadership change in Karnataka, suggesting that CM Siddaramaiah (R) could step down to make way for his deputy DK Shivakumar (L). (Image: PTI/File)

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday sought to quell growing political speculation, asserting there was no question of a leadership change in the state. The clarification came after he met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at the latter’s residence in Bengaluru, amid an ongoing power tussle within the ruling party.

‘A courtesy call’, says  Siddaramaiah

The meeting, Siddaramaiah stressed, was simply a courtesy call following Kharge’s return from New Delhi on Friday evening.

“Apart from the courtesy call, we discussed the organisation and upcoming local body elections, including the Bengaluru municipal polls,” the chief minister told PTI.

When asked whether the Congress chief had raised concerns about a possible change in leadership, Siddaramaiah dismissed the notion outright. “That is only speculation. You (media) created it,” he said.

The chief minister also claimed he did not question Kharge about the sudden gathering of several Congress MLAs from Karnataka in Delhi. “If at all I have to gather information… I will collect it from the intelligence department,” he said wryly.

Rift with Shivakumar?

The political buzz intensified on Friday after Siddaramaiah publicly declared he would “continue in office” and even present future state budgets. His remarks came amid persistent tensions with Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar.

Shivakumar, when asked for his reaction, simply said, “All the best,” a comment widely interpreted as a sign of underlying strain.

Congress sources have said that at least 15 MLAs and around a dozen MLCs are currently in New Delhi, reportedly pushing for the implementation of a 2023 power-sharing formula. Under the purported arrangement, Siddaramaiah would serve as chief minister for two and a half years-until November 2025-before handing over the reins to Shivakumar.

Siddaramaiah reminded party workers and the media that all leaders, including himself and Shivakumar, were ultimately bound by decisions of the Congress high command.

“Every leader, every minister… has to abide by the party high command’s decision,” he said.

He also sought to downplay the significance of MLAs meeting Kharge in Delhi. “Let the MLAs go to Delhi,” he said. “Ultimately, the high command will decide.”

Meanwhile, Union minister H D Kumaraswamy stirred the political pot, claiming “explosive developments” were imminent within the Congress and urging party workers to “gear up”.

As the Congress high command continues to navigate factional demands, the leadership question remains unresolved.