Will Congress Remove Siddaramaiah As Karnataka CM? Kharge Passes The Buck To 'High Command'

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Last Updated:June 30, 2025, 13:49 IST

Kharge did not deny leadership change rumours in Karnataka, passing the decision to the party's high command amid talks of DK Shivakumar replacing CM Siddaramaiah.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge | File Image/PTI

Amid talks of a change in leadership in Karnataka, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday did not categorically deny the rumours but instead passed the buck to the party’s high command.

Kharge’s remark comes as Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala’s Bengaluru visit has fueled talks of DK Shivakumar replacing Siddaramaiah as the chief minister.

When asked about the talks that the Karnataka CM would be changed in October, Kharge said, “That is in the hands of 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 a problem."

Karnataka Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain on Sunday claimed that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar may get an opportunity to become the Chief Minister of the state within the next two to three months.

These remarks from a legislator considered close to Shivakumar come amid renewed speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka later this year.

The buzz resurfaced following Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna’s recent statement hinting at “revolutionary" political developments in the state after September.

You all know what our (Congress’s) strength was before this government came to power. Everyone knows who put in the struggle, sweat, effort and interest to achieve this victory. His (Shivakumar’s) strategy and programmes are history now, Hussain told reporters in Ramanagara, when asked if Shivakumar had a chance to become CM.

“I don’t believe in speculation. We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give him an opportunity," he added.

When asked if Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, would become CM this year, Hussain replied, “Yes, I’m saying it. The date some leaders are hinting at for revolutionary political developments after September—this is what they are talking about. A decision will be made within two to three months." Pressed further, he reiterated, “That’s what I’m saying. I’m not beating around the bush; I’m speaking directly." When asked about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah dismissing the CM change as mere speculation, Hussain pointed out that the Congress high command had decided on government formation after the 2023 Assembly polls.

“We were all together in Delhi then. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge made the decision. Everyone knows that. They will take the next decision too—we’ll have to wait and watch," he said.

Speculation about a leadership change within the ruling Congress has persisted for some time, linked to an alleged power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Such talk had died down after strong instructions from the party high command.

After the Congress won the Assembly elections in May 2023, there was stiff competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the CM’s post.

The Congress managed to convince Shivakumar to accept the Deputy CM role.

Reports at the time suggested a “rotational CM formula," with Shivakumar set to take over after two-and-a-half years, though this was never officially confirmed.

Shivakumar has made no secret of his ambition to become Chief Minister.

Responding to Rajanna’s comments about “revolutionary" political changes, Hussain said that allowing a deserving person cannot be called a revolution.

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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