Kharge: Sonia, Rahul and I Will Resolve Karnataka CM Row

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. (Image: X)

Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar urge clarity as talks of power-sharing grow

New Delhi: After days of intense speculation over a possible change of Chief Minister in Karnataka, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the issue would be resolved after consultations with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

“The high command, myself, Rahulji and Soniaji, will take a collective decision and resolve the issue,” Kharge said.

The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified in recent weeks, with renewed murmurs of a leadership change shortly after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. The speculation stems from an alleged 2023 “power-sharing” understanding between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar told reporters, “There is no confusion. No one should demand anything. There are no groups. There is only one group, the Congress group of 140 MLAs. Party matters will be discussed within four walls, not in the media.”

He added, “I don’t know about this matter. It is confidential between five or six of us. The Chief Minister is a senior leader and an asset to the party. He has said he will present the next Budget himself. We must all focus on the 2028 and 2029 elections together.”

Earlier this week, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was willing to continue in office if the Congress high command desired, emphasising that the decision on leadership rests entirely with the central leadership. Both he and Shivakumar are expected to abide by whatever the party decides.

Last week, the party high command warned Karnataka MLAs and leaders against making speculative public statements that could cause confusion among cadres. Several legislators and leaders have urged the leadership to provide clarity on the matter.