Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought clarity from senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing “persistent confusion” surrounding leadership speculation in the state, sources said.
According to party sources, Siddaramaiah expressed his desire to expand the state Cabinet and requested a meeting with Rahul Gandhi amid renewed rumours of a possible leadership change in Karnataka.
The development comes even as the Congress high command has repeatedly dismissed reports of internal discord within the party’s Karnataka government. Speculation over a power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has continued to surface despite consistent denials from both leaders.
Last month, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge downplayed reports of leadership tension, stating that there was no confusion at the level of the party’s central leadership. “The high command has not created any confusion,” Kharge had said, adding that any internal matters should be addressed by the state leadership.
Kharge also cautioned party leaders against claiming individual credit for the Congress’ electoral victory in Karnataka, stressing that the party’s success was the result of decades of collective effort by its workers.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have firmly rejected claims of discord. Siddaramaiah has reiterated that he enjoys the confidence of the party leadership and will complete his full five-year term, dismissing speculation about a rotational chief minister arrangement.
Shivakumar, too, has termed reports of rifts as media speculation and opposition propaganda. “Aren’t the Chief Minister and I working like brothers? I have no differences with any Congress leader,” he had said earlier, adding that any decision on leadership would be taken by the party high command at an appropriate time and would be accepted by all.
The speculation largely revolves around an alleged internal understanding that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would each serve as Chief Minister for 2.5 years. Siddaramaiah was sworn in on May 20, 2023, and a leadership change was widely anticipated around November last year when the government crossed the halfway mark of its term. When no such change occurred, some MLAs considered close to Shivakumar reportedly travelled to Delhi to press their demands.
However, the Congress has repeatedly denied the existence of any power-sharing agreement and has maintained that Siddaramaiah will complete the full term as Chief Minister.
Responding to reports of MLAs visiting Delhi, Shivakumar said factionalism was not in his nature and reaffirmed his support for Siddaramaiah’s continuation. “All 140 MLAs are my MLAs. Groupism is not in my blood. Both the Chief Minister and I have always said we abide by the high command,” he stated.
He also noted that it was natural for legislators to meet the party leadership to seek positions ahead of a possible Cabinet reshuffle.
Meanwhile, the BJP has continued to target the Karnataka Congress leadership, alleging that the ruling party is consumed by an internal power struggle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar instead of focusing on governance.
