Just ahead of a crucial meeting between senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala and Karnataka Congress MLAs, the internal discord within the party has taken a sharp turn. A growing faction of legislators, reportedly close to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has voiced strong support for a change in the Chief Minister’s leadership. According to MLA Iqbal Hussain, nearly 100 MLAs are in favor of appointing Mr Shivakumar as the new Chief Minister, replacing the incumbent Siddaramaiah.
Iqbal Hussain, a staunch Shivakumar supporter, warned that failure to act now could cost the Congress party its hold on power in the 2028 assembly elections. “It’s not just me,” Hussain told NDTV. “More than 100 MLAs are supporting this demand. DK Shivakumar has worked tirelessly for the party, and his leadership has significantly revived the Congress in Karnataka since he became KPCC President. Many MLAs believe it is time he is given the top post.”
Hussain confirmed he would raise the leadership issue with Surjewala during the high-level meeting in Bengaluru. “If we don’t implement the change now, the Congress might not return to power in the next elections. The party needs this shift for its own survival,” he stressed.
The ongoing buzz has prompted a response from the Congress high command. Party President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that only the central leadership has the authority to decide on the Chief Minister’s position. Hussain, in turn, acknowledged the party’s discipline but insisted, “We must tell the truth to the high command.”
Surjewala downplayed the leadership talk, labeling his visit as part of routine organisational introspection and asserting that reports of a leadership change are purely speculative. “This is an exercise to strengthen development and the party structure in Karnataka,” he said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also dismissed any rumors of a change in leadership. Speaking in Mysuru, he assured that the Congress government would complete its full five-year term and remain “solid as a rock.” Flanked by DK Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah appeared united with his deputy, saying, “We are on good terms,” while holding his hand before the media. Asked if external efforts were being made to drive a wedge between them, Siddaramaiah responded, “We don’t listen to what others say.”
This current unrest stems from the aftermath of the 2023 assembly elections, in which the Congress secured a decisive victory. DK Shivakumar, credited for the party’s successful campaign, was initially seen as a top contender for the Chief Minister’s role. However, party leadership managed to strike a compromise, installing Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as both Deputy CM and KPCC President. While rumors of a rotational chief ministership agreement swirled at the time, no such deal was officially confirmed.
Now, as murmurs grow louder within the ranks, the Congress finds itself navigating internal turbulence in Karnataka, with key leaders attempting to project unity amid mounting pressure for a leadership shake-up.
