Karnataka Congress Leadership Crisis Deepens; Kharge–Rahul Gandhi Call Top Leaders to Delhi as Power Battle Peaks

Delhi: The leadership crisis inside the Karnataka Congress erupted further this week, forcing the party’s central command to take direct control of the spiralling situation. With growing pressure from Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the long-speculated power-sharing deal, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi are set to hold a crucial meeting in New Delhi today to determine the future leadership of the state.

Both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar are expected to be summoned to Delhi on November 29, where they will present their arguments before the party’s top decision-makers. The Congress high command, which had previously preferred to maintain “status quo,” is now under pressure to revisit the terms allegedly agreed upon when the party came to power in 2023.

Leadership Tug-of-War Hits Boiling Point

The Karnataka government completed half of its five-year term on November 20, reigniting demands from Shivakumar’s camp for the Chief Minister’s chair based on the claimed “two-and-a-half-year rotation formula.” His supporters view the upcoming meeting with Rahul Gandhi as a decisive moment, believing Siddaramaiah will now have to justify his denial of the deal.

Both factions are preparing aggressively. Siddaramaiah held a late-night strategy huddle with senior ministers—including G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahadevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna—at his residence. Sources say the group discussed how to respond if the high command decides to install a third consensus candidate to end the dispute.

Shivakumar, on the other hand, has begun consolidating support among MLAs. His brother and former MP D.K. Suresh is reportedly coordinating outreach efforts to secure backing ahead of the Delhi showdown. Party insiders say both sides view the next 48 hours as crucial to tilt the balance of power.

Kharge Confirms High-Level Talks

Speaking to reporters, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed that a meeting involving Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and senior leaders will be held in Delhi to bring clarity to the situation.

“We will call all key leaders, discuss the matter, and put an end to the confusion,” Kharge stated. He added that the decision will be taken collectively after hearing both sides.

Kharge also emphasised that the party must maintain unity, especially with Karnataka being one of Congress’ last major strongholds in the country.

What’s at Stake

If the high command compels Siddaramaiah to step aside, it risks appearing as though Delhi is forcing out a popular leader. Allowing him to continue, however, may alienate loyal Congress cadres who believe the earlier commitment must be honoured.