Bengaluru: The Congress high command will step in to resolve internal leadership questions in Karnataka when it deems appropriate, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said on Monday, amid persistent speculation about a potential reshuffle at the top of the state government. The remarks come as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar face renewed scrutiny over power-sharing arrangements and future roles in the state.

Kharge Signals Measured Intervention

Asked whether Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar might be summoned to New Delhi for discussions, Kharge stated, “Whenever necessary, the party would call them.” He declined to elaborate on the timing or nature of any intervention, signalling that the high command intends to weigh its options carefully before acting.

The statement follows ongoing debates within the Karnataka Congress, which intensified after the government crossed the midpoint of its five-year term on November 20. Party insiders have long speculated about a 2023 power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar—a deal that allegedly outlined rotation of the chief minister’s post—but the arrangement has never been publicly acknowledged.

Siddaramaiah Maintains Firm Stance

Siddaramaiah, now Karnataka’s longest-serving chief minister, surpassing the tenure of D. Devaraj Urs, has repeatedly affirmed his intention to complete a full five-year term. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Sunday, he dismissed talk of a rift with his deputy as media-created speculation. “There is no fight, you create it. Where is the fight? Unnecessarily, you ask such questions,” he said, responding to a Bharatiya Janata Party social media post predicting renewed contestation for the top post after Sankranti.

The chief minister emphasized that, while he has his own intentions, the final decision on leadership matters rests with the Congress high command, underscoring the party’s centralized approach to state-level disputes.

Shivakumar’s Aspiration and Assertions

Meanwhile, D.K. Shivakumar, who doubles as the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has taken a more aspirational tone in public appearances. At the Udyami Vokkaliga Expo 2026 on Sunday, Shivakumar expressed confidence in the party’s judgment regarding his political future.

“I do not come from a political family, yet I have grown to this level. I am confident that the party will take a decision on me going forward. I have taken many blows in politics,” he said.

Shivakumar’s comments were widely interpreted as an assertion of his chief ministerial ambitions, and party insiders indicate that he may be pressing his case based on the alleged two-and-a-half-year rotation agreement, a claim that has been rejected by Siddaramaiah’s camp.

Referencing Support and Community Dynamics

In his address, Shivakumar acknowledged the prayers and support of followers during his periods of political adversity, including his time in jail. “You have all prayed for me when I was in jail. I am also aware that you are praying for me now and you are wishing me well. I believe prayers will never go to waste,” he said.

He also addressed criticism from members of his own Vokkaliga community, suggesting that opposition to him comes from both fronts. “They are stabbing me from the front and from the back. My conscience knows how honest I was when Union minister H.D. Kumaraswamy was the chief minister. Now, he accuses me of backstabbing him. I do not need any certificates. My conscience knows,” Shivakumar asserted, framing his narrative around personal integrity and past service.

Balancing Party Unity and Leadership Ambitions

The statements from both leaders illustrate the delicate balance the Congress must maintain in Karnataka. While Siddaramaiah projects continuity and experience, Shivakumar emphasizes ambition, grassroots support, and personal loyalty, signaling a potential leadership contest within the party.

Analysts suggest that the high command’s intervention is likely to be timely and strategic, aimed at maintaining party unity while addressing the aspirations of senior leaders. The careful messaging from Kharge underscores that the Congress leadership in Delhi prefers to manage internal disputes internally, avoiding public confrontations or escalations that could weaken the party ahead of future elections.

Key Takeaways

• The Congress high command will intervene when necessary, leaving the timing and method of intervention to its discretion.
• Siddaramaiah aims to complete his five-year term, citing experience and stability as his primary argument.
• Shivakumar asserts his political ambitions and support base, referring to past sacrifices and community backing.
• The alleged 2023 power-sharing agreement remains unacknowledged publicly, but it continues to influence speculation about leadership succession.
• Party leadership in Delhi is expected to weigh all factors carefully, including internal community dynamics, public perception, and electoral strategy, before making any changes.

With Karnataka approaching the latter half of its current term, the Congress high command’s decisions will likely shape the party’s cohesion and prospects in the state, particularly as it navigates internal ambitions and prepares for future electoral challenges.