Leadership churn within the Karnataka Congress intensified on Tuesday as a group of party legislators met senior leaders in New Delhi, urging the high command to end the growing confusion over demands to elevate Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as chief minister. The discussions come just days after the Congress government completed half of its five-year term on 20 November, fuelling speculation of a power shift.
MLAs reaffirm support for Shivakumar
Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain reiterated his unwavering confidence that Mr. Shivakumar would take over the top post. “I always stand by that statement… 200 per cent, he will become the CM soon. The high command will decide. As our leader said, the transfer of power is a secret deal among five to six party leaders, and those five to six people will decide,” he said.
His remarks follow Mr. Shivakumar’s recent assertion that all 140 Congress MLAs are with him, a comment that drew a measured response from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid circulating rumours of a leadership change.
Delegation of MLAs meets central leadership
According to party insiders, six MLAs considered close to Mr. Shivakumar flew to New Delhi on Sunday night for consultations. More legislators are expected to join them as discussions progress. Last week, nearly ten MLAs had met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, signalling growing pressure on the party’s central leadership to address the issue.
Magadi MLA H.C. Balakrishna emphasised that settling the matter was essential to prevent further internal uncertainty. “We went to discuss with the high command to clear the confusion because a final decision is needed. Who becomes CM is not important; the current situation is detrimental to the Congress party. The high command should intervene and put an end to this,” he said, refusing to confirm whether Mr. Shivakumar’s elevation was discussed.
Calls for younger leadership and reshuffle
Several MLAs reportedly used the Delhi meetings to push for emerging leaders to be considered during the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Maddur MLA K.M. Uday said they had received positive signals from senior leadership, adding that a final decision from the high command was expected soon. Senior legislators also reiterated the need for clarity to prevent factionalism from widening.
Shivakumar distances himself from lobbying
Responding to reports that his loyalists had travelled to Delhi to press for his elevation, Mr. Shivakumar distanced himself from the lobbying efforts. “I have not called or spoken to any of them. I am not asking why they went. I don’t need to,” he told reporters. He suggested that some MLAs may have gone seeking ministerial roles rather than advocating solely for his appointment as chief minister.
With discussions now squarely in the hands of the party’s central leadership, Karnataka Congress leaders expect a decision in the coming days to end the leadership uncertainty.