The Congress government in Karnataka is witnessing growing internal dissent, with over 100 party MLAs reportedly throwing their weight behind Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to replace Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. However, amid the brewing storm, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has stated that any such decision rests solely with the party high command.
“See, 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,” Kharge said on Monday, when asked about the possibility of a leadership change. He added that senior leader Randeep Singh Surjewala has been dispatched to Karnataka to gather feedback before the party makes its next move.
The buzz over a possible transition intensified after Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain stated that “more than 100 MLAs” favour DK Shivakumar for the top job. “They want good governance and believe that DK Shivakumar deserves an opportunity,” Hussain said, adding, “If the change doesn’t happen now, Congress cannot retain power in 2028.”
Siddaramaiah Downplays Rift, BJP Mocks ‘Ghost’ Leadership
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, however, dismissed talk of infighting, stating that his government would complete its full five-year term. Speaking from Mysuru, with Shivakumar at his side, Siddaramaiah declared, “This government will be as solid as a ‘bande’ (rock) for five years.” In a symbolic gesture, the two leaders held hands and proclaimed unity: “We are on good terms,” Siddaramaiah assured.
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Despite this public display of solidarity, several MLAs close to Shivakumar remain vocal in their demand for a leadership change. They argue that Shivakumar’s role in reviving the Congress in the state, especially as KPCC president during the 2023 elections, justifies his elevation.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Tejasvi Surya took a swipe at the Congress’s internal structure, likening the high command to a ghost. “The Congress High Command is like a ghost. It is unseen, unheard, but always felt. Even the Congress President, who people thought is the high command, whispers its name and says it’s not him,” Surya posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Congress High Command is like a ghost. It is unseen, unheard, but always felt. Even the Congress President, who people thought is the high command, whispers its name and says it’s not him.
So eerie! https://t.co/GpcdHWQbSs
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) June 30, 2025
Surjewala, who is conducting the internal review in Karnataka, called the leadership change reports “a figment of imagination” and emphasized that his visit was purely for organisational introspection and development planning.
Some Congress leaders warned that replacing Siddaramaiah could destabilize the government and damage the party’s long-term prospects. “Siddaramaiah enjoys support of a large number of MLAs. His removal will destabilise the government,” a senior CWC member said.
Amid claims of “revolutionary changes” after September, MLA Hussain clarified, “There is only one power centre the party high command… The expectation for change exists, but it cannot be called a revolution.”
