Bengaluru, November 22, 2025 – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, dismissing widespread speculation regarding a potential change in leadership within the state. The meeting, which took place at Kharge's residence in Bengaluru, was described by Siddaramaiah as a courtesy call, with discussions primarily focused on party organization and upcoming local elections.
"Change in leadership is just speculation; it is a media creation," Siddaramaiah stated to reporters after the meeting. He clarified that there were no discussions regarding a cabinet reshuffle during his meeting with Kharge. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of unity within the party and reiterated that both he and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would adhere to the decisions made by the Congress high command. "Let the MLAs go, but ultimately, whatever the high command says, we all have to accept it. Be it me or DK Shivakumar, everyone has to accept it," he asserted.
The meeting comes amid swirling rumors of a power tussle within the ruling Congress party, fueled by reports of a potential 2.5-year rotational formula for the Chief Ministerial post between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. These reports gained traction as the Karnataka government approached the halfway mark of its term, leading some Congress MLAs loyal to Shivakumar to reportedly lobby the party high command in Delhi. Some MLAs, led by Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, met Kharge in Delhi on Thursday, advocating for Shivakumar to be made Chief Minister, based on an alleged 2023 power-sharing agreement.
Siddaramaiah has consistently denied the existence of any such power-sharing agreement. On Friday, before his meeting with Kharge, Siddaramaiah affirmed his intention to continue in office and present future state budgets. When questioned about legislators lobbying in Delhi, Siddaramaiah stated that the decision rests with the Congress' central leadership. "Has the high command spoken on it? We can't do anything. Some people discussed it earlier also, and now they might have gone (to Delhi). Finally, Shivakumar and I have to listen to whatever the high command says," he said.
Responding to the ongoing speculation, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, criticized the opposition and a section of the media for allegedly running a "maligning campaign" against the Congress government. He stated that the high command has taken note of the views expressed by supporters of both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar and has cautioned them against making public statements on the leadership issue.
Meanwhile, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has seized the opportunity to attack the Congress government, predicting "imminent and explosive political developments" in Karnataka.
Despite the political maneuvering, Siddaramaiah maintains that his meeting with Kharge focused on strengthening the party organization and preparing for upcoming local body, Zilla Panchayat, and Taluk Panchayat elections. He reiterated his commitment to abide by the high command's decision regarding any leadership changes. Sources suggest that a cabinet reshuffle may occur after the winter session of the state legislature in December, although this remains unconfirmed. Shivakumar is expected to meet with Kharge on Sunday.
