Delhi, India: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has addressed growing discussions about a possible leadership shift in Karnataka. With the Siddaramaiah-led government completing two and a half years in office on November 20, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are insisting that the remaining half of the five-year term should be handed over to him as per the understanding reportedly reached in 2023.

According to political sources, Shivakumar recently attempted to speak with Rahul Gandhi while he was abroad and was told that a conversation would take place soon. Responding to the speculation, Kharge said on Wednesday that any decision regarding the leadership issue will be finalized only after consultations with Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

Kharge stated, “The people of Karnataka will judge the government's performance. Matters like these will be resolved through discussion. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and I will jointly evaluate the situation, and if required, we will intervene.”

Ongoing Internal Tensions

For months, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar have been stuck in an undeclared power struggle, often described internally as a “cold war.” Rumors of disagreements between the two leaders have become frequent. Despite this, Shivakumar maintains that he respects Siddaramaiah’s leadership and that party unity remains their top priority.

Supporters of Shivakumar insist that the leadership should shift to him for the next two and a half years, but Siddaramaiah has reiterated that the final decision lies entirely with the party’s high command. “Whatever the party decides will apply to both of us equally,” he said, urging the central leadership to put an end to the uncertainty.

DK Shivakumar on the Alleged Power-Sharing Deal

Shivakumar has avoided commenting publicly on what he describes as an internal agreement involving a few senior leaders. He clarified that he has never demanded the Chief Minister’s post from the high command. “My priority is to strengthen the Congress and secure a massive victory in the next elections,” he said.

Meanwhile, sources close to Siddaramaiah deny the existence of any “secret deal” and insist that there is no conflict, emphasizing Shivakumar’s loyalty to the Gandhi family. Senior Congress leaders suggest that a final decision on the leadership issue is expected before the Parliament’s winter session begins on December 1.