New Delhi: Speculation surrounding a possible leadership change in Karnataka continued on Tuesday after sources indicated that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was not willing to resign from the top post amid ongoing discussions within the Congress leadership over power-sharing arrangements in the state.
The latest developments came after a high-level meeting of senior Congress leaders in Delhi, where discussions were officially said to have focused on upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
Siddaramaiah firm on continuing as Chief Minister
According to sources, Siddaramaiah remained firm on completing his tenure as Chief Minister and was not prepared to hand over leadership to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
The reports have once again intensified political speculation over the long-discussed rotational power-sharing arrangement within the Karnataka Congress government.
Supporters of DK Shivakumar have repeatedly maintained that a leadership transition was part of an internal understanding reached after the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.
However, Siddaramaiah has consistently dismissed speculation regarding stepping down and has publicly asserted that he will continue for a full five-year term.
Congress leadership dismisses leadership change rumours
Following the meeting in Delhi, senior Congress leader KC Venugopal categorically denied reports of any discussion regarding a change in Karnataka leadership.
Speaking to reporters after the nearly two-hour meeting, Venugopal said the discussions were limited to Rajya Sabha elections and Legislative Council matters.
“Today’s discussion was only around Rajya Sabha polls and MLC elections. Whatever you speculated is not true,” he said.
He further urged the media to stop speculation regarding leadership changes in Karnataka.
High-level Delhi meeting draws attention
The meeting took place at the Congress headquarters in New Delhi and was attended by top party leaders, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Rahul Gandhi, KC Venugopal, Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.
The gathering had attracted widespread attention amid heightened political buzz over the state’s leadership issue.
Despite the intense speculation, neither Siddaramaiah nor Shivakumar commented publicly on the leadership matter while leaving the meeting venue.
Power-sharing issue remains unresolved
The Karnataka Congress has been witnessing recurring speculation over a possible leadership rotation since the formation of the government in 2023.
While the party leadership has repeatedly denied any immediate change, supporters from both camps continue to keep the debate alive through public statements and political signalling.
Political observers believe the unresolved issue has created periodic uncertainty within the state unit, even as the Congress leadership attempts to project unity.
Focus shifts to upcoming elections
The Congress high command has maintained that the immediate focus remains on organisational matters and upcoming electoral calculations, including Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections.
However, analysts say the continued leadership buzz reflects the delicate balancing act within the Karnataka Congress between Siddaramaiah’s administrative leadership and DK Shivakumar’s organisational influence.
For now, the party has officially ruled out any leadership change, even as political speculation surrounding Karnataka’s power-sharing arrangement continues.