Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday attempted to calm growing speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, stating that there is no immediate plan to replace the Chief Minister, though the matter of leadership in the state would be addressed at an appropriate time.
His remarks come amid intensified political chatter over a possible reshuffle in the Karnataka government after the declaration of election results in several states on May 4, along with the bypoll outcomes in two Assembly constituencies in Karnataka.
Speaking to reporters, Mallikarjun Kharge made it clear that no decision regarding a change in the top post had been taken yet, but added that any future move would be decided collectively by the party’s central leadership.
The statement is being seen as an attempt to cool tensions within the ruling Indian National Congress, where internal speculation over leadership has gained momentum in recent weeks.
Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have been pressing for his elevation as Chief Minister, citing an alleged rotational arrangement reached when the Congress formed the government in 2023.
These demands have resurfaced strongly after the Siddaramaiah-led government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term, reviving rumours that a leadership transition may soon be considered.
However, Mallikarjun Kharge signalled that the Congress leadership was in no hurry to act and said that any decision regarding the future of the state leadership would involve senior party figures including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
The issue gained fresh attention after Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that party members would welcome Mallikarjun Kharge as Chief Minister if such a decision were taken, adding another dimension to the ongoing debate over leadership in the state.
The Congress chief, however, dismissed any immediate relevance of that suggestion, reiterating that the question of a leadership change does not arise at present because the state already has a Chief Minister in place.
The uncertainty over the party’s next move has also fuelled opposition attacks. H D Kumaraswamy recently claimed that several Congress MLAs were planning to travel to Delhi amid the ongoing internal uncertainty, suggesting that the leadership question had unsettled the ruling party.
Responding to the remark, Mallikarjun Kharge brushed aside the claim and said he had no information about it.
While the Congress leadership has publicly denied any immediate change, the continuing speculation reflects the unresolved questions over succession in Karnataka, where the balance between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar remains politically sensitive.
