Bengaluru: Amid growing speculation over a possible change in leadership next month, two senior ministers in the Karnataka cabinet have urged the Congress high command to put an end to rumours surrounding a potential replacement of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. They warned that the ongoing uncertainty is causing confusion within the party ranks and the state administration.
The speculation, which some have termed a possible “November revolution,” stems from reports of a rotational chief ministership arrangement within the Congress government — one that would see Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar take over once the government completes half its term in November.
Ministers seek clarity from the high command
On Tuesday, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Home Minister G. Parameshwara — both considered close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah — publicly appealed to the Congress central leadership to clarify its stance.
“The high command must say ‘full stop’. If it does, it will be good; if not, it will lead to confusion among the bureaucracy and within the party. In my opinion, a full stop must be quickly put to this topic,” Jarkiholi told reporters.
Parameshwara echoed the sentiment, saying, “What Satish Jarkiholi has said is right. Every day we see someone or the other from the party speaking on the issue in the media and saying different things. The issue should be resolved. The high command knows what medicine must be given when.”
Focus on governance, not political change
Parameshwara stressed that the Congress government in Karnataka should prioritise addressing pressing issues such as floods and development activities rather than internal power dynamics.
“In our state, all of us — the CM and deputy CM, who is also the state president — have responsibilities. There is a flood-like situation in North Karnataka, and we need to focus on that. In South Karnataka, there are several issues, including those in Bengaluru. Our priority should be to address them. We cannot afford to focus on a change of CM now,” he said.
He also clarified that if the high command indeed intends to implement a leadership change, it should not wait for the conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections to make a decision.
The roots of the CM change speculation
Talks of a potential change in leadership began soon after the Congress returned to power in Karnataka in May 2023. At that time, Siddaramaiah was chosen as chief minister after intense lobbying, reportedly edging out Shivakumar, who was appointed deputy chief minister and retained his post as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.
Since then, speculation of a “rotational CM formula” — under which Shivakumar would assume the top post midway through the government’s term — has persisted. However, the Congress leadership has neither confirmed nor denied the existence of such an agreement.
Siddaramaiah, for his part, has repeatedly maintained that he intends to serve the full five-year term. His recent administrative decisions and strong backing within the legislature party have reinforced his position as the leader steering the Congress government in Karnataka.
Lingayat issue resurfaces
Meanwhile, Parameshwara also addressed recent discussions about the demand for separate religion status for the Lingayat community. “First, the dispute over whether Veerashaiva and Lingayat are one or different communities needs to be resolved. They have to take a call on this. Once a stance is taken, everything else will be resolved,” he said.
He downplayed Siddaramaiah’s recent comments on the issue, adding that the chief minister did not make any religious statements. “As far as I’m aware, the CM did not make any religious comments. He only said that some seers are demanding separate religion status,” Parameshwara clarified.
Call for stability and focus
Party insiders say that with the Congress high command remaining silent, factional talk has grown louder — particularly with sections of the party still speculating about a leadership change in November. Senior ministers’ public appeals suggest growing anxiety among loyalists who want the issue settled to prevent administrative drift.
For now, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continue to maintain that governance and development will remain the government’s top priorities. However, with November approaching, political observers believe the Congress high command’s decision — or indecision — will play a crucial role in determining the stability of the Karnataka government in the months to come.