As suspense builds within the Karnataka Congress, several loyalists of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have hurried to New Delhi, triggering fresh buzz about a possible leadership shift in the state. Their sudden travel has fuelled questions on whether the party is preparing for a change in key roles as the government completes two and a half years in power.
Shivakumar Supporters Move to Delhi
A group of ministers and MLAs close to Shivakumar reportedly left for the national capital on Thursday. Their visit comes just a day after Shivakumar suggested that he may soon step down from the post of Karnataka Congress president.
According to PTI, Congress minister N Chaluvarayaswamy and MLAs Iqbal Hussain, H.C. Balakrishna, and S R Srinivas were among those travelling to Delhi to meet senior Congress leaders. Sources say nearly 12 more MLAs are expected to join them on Friday.
The sudden movement has revived speculation that the high command may review the leadership structure in the Karnataka Congress.
Shivakumar Hints at Leaving Congress Chief Post
Shivakumar recently said he was open to passing on the party’s state leadership role. He noted that he had held the post for many years and believed others now deserved a chance.
“I cannot hold the post permanently. It has already been 5.5 years, and in March, it will be six years,” he said. “Others should be given an opportunity. But I will be in the leadership. Don’t worry, I will be at the frontline,” he added.
Shivakumar also said he wanted to complete setting up 100 party offices during his tenure.
Past Talks of Rotational CM Return to Focus
The Congress came to power with a strong mandate in the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections. After the win, there were reports that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were interested in the chief minister’s position. Eventually, Siddaramaiah became the chief minister while Shivakumar took the role of deputy CM.
At that time, several unconfirmed reports suggested that the party had agreed on a “rotational chief minister” formula, under which Shivakumar might take over after two and a half years. The party never officially confirmed such an arrangement.
Now, with Siddaramaiah completing half of his five-year term, those old discussions are back in the spotlight.
Siddaramaiah Rejects Talk of CM Change
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has firmly denied any plan to replace him. While speaking in Chamarajanagar on Thursday, he said the debate over leadership change had no basis.
“This is an unnecessary debate. Only after it was said that the cabinet can be reshuffled after two and a half years, the issue of changing the Chief Minister has come to the fore,” he said.
He also said any reshuffle or ministerial changes would be the high command’s decision. Siddaramaiah added that the government still has two vacant ministerial berths, which will be filled soon.
During his remarks, the chief minister declared that his position remained safe. He said his power is “secure”.
