Congress High Command Mulls Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s Replacement Amid DK Shivakumar Push
Amid intensifying factionalism in the Karnataka Congress, speculation is rife about a possible leadership change, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah potentially being replaced. The latest spark in the internal power tussle was lit when Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge commented on the matter, stating that the decision on leadership in the state had been left to the high command.
Kharge’s remarks, while non-committal on the surface, are being interpreted as a tacit acknowledgment of growing internal dissent and active deliberation within the party’s top decision-making body. This comes at a time when supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have become increasingly vocal in advocating for his elevation to the top post.
Internal Fissures: Siddaramaiah vs Shivakumar
The Congress unit in Karnataka has long been divided between two powerful factions—one led by Siddaramaiah and the other by DK Shivakumar. The friction, dating back to the post-election CM selection in 2023, continues to disrupt party unity and state governance.
Following a prolonged deadlock after the 2023 Assembly victory, the party high command was compelled to implement a compromise by appointing Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as his deputy. Though the leadership denied it publicly, several insiders claimed that a “rotational CM formula” was discussed, allowing Shivakumar to assume the CM role after two and a half years.
Now, with widespread discontent among party MLAs and ministers citing issues such as administrative inefficiency and corruption, the push to implement this formula has gained momentum.
Kharge’s Statement Sparks New Wave of Speculation
Speaking to the press on Monday, Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized that the decision to make any leadership change in Karnataka rests solely with the high command. He urged party leaders to refrain from creating unnecessary controversy, stating:
“It has been left to the high command. Nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command, they have the power to take further action, but unnecessarily one should not create problems.”
However, political analysts view this as a subtle confirmation that serious discussions about a regime change are underway within the Congress leadership.
MLA HA Iqbal Hussain: “Decision in 2–3 Months”
Adding to the political heat, Congress MLA HA Iqbal Hussain made a strong case for Shivakumar’s leadership on Sunday, stating that the Deputy CM’s strategic contributions during the 2023 elections were being recognized at the highest level.
“Everyone knows who put in the struggle and effort to achieve this victory. His [Shivakumar’s] strategy and programmes are history now. We have full confidence that the high command will give him an opportunity,” Hussain said.
When asked if a decision could come this year, Hussain said affirmatively, adding, “A decision will be made within two to three months.” He referred to this development as a “revolutionary political shift” hinted at by several senior leaders, including Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna.
Surjewala in Bengaluru: High Command Sends Troubleshooter
In a clear sign that the party is taking the unrest seriously, Congress general secretary and senior troubleshooter Randeep Surjewala was sent to Bengaluru for a three-day visit to manage the internal friction. His arrival has only further fuelled speculation that the Congress is preparing the ground for a leadership transition, possibly before the end of 2025.
According to party sources, Surjewala will meet with faction leaders and assess the ground-level sentiment among MLAs and ministers before submitting a report to the high command.
Factionalism Could Impact 2026 Local Polls
Political observers warn that continued infighting could cost the Congress dearly in upcoming urban local body and panchayat elections. A divided leadership could undermine public trust and offer an opening to opposition parties, especially the BJP, which is looking to regain lost ground in Karnataka.
Maintaining stability in the state government while accommodating Shivakumar’s ambitions will be a tightrope walk for the party’s central leadership, especially with national elections just four years away.