A delegation of Karnataka Congress leaders loyal to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi on Thursday, intensifying speculation about potential leadership changes in the state government.
The closed-door meeting, held late at night, has renewed chatter about internal power dynamics within the Karnataka unit of the ruling Congress.
Leaders Maintain Silence on Agenda
News agency ANI released visuals of ministers and MLAs interacting with Kharge outside his residence. However, neither the leaders nor the party has disclosed the purpose or outcome of the discussions.
The visit comes a day after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah completed two-and-a-half years in office—an important milestone given ongoing talk of a rotational power-sharing arrangement.
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Rotational CM Formula Back in Focus
After Congress won the 2023 Assembly polls, a leadership contest emerged between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Eventually, Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister while Shivakumar became Deputy CM, reportedly under a high-command mediated understanding.
Rumours have persisted about a “rotational chief ministership,” with Shivakumar potentially taking over midway through the five-year term. The party leadership has never confirmed such an arrangement.
Siddaramaiah: ‘No Revolution, No Confusion’
Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah dismissed speculation about a leadership shift, calling it a “media invention”.
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“There is no revolution or confusion. We have a five-year mandate. After five years, elections will take place and we will win again,” he said.
He reiterated that discussions around power-sharing emerged only after he suggested that cabinet reshuffling could be considered after two-and-a-half years.
