Karnataka Congress Leadership: Kharge Calls for High Command Deliberation Amid Speculation

Amid ongoing speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said the matter would be resolved after top-level deliberations with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

“Only those on the ground can fully understand what the government is doing. But I can say with confidence that we will resolve these issues. The High Command — Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and myself — will sit together and discuss the matter. We will provide the necessary mediation,” Kharge told News18.

The internal power tussle within the Karnataka Congress has intensified in recent weeks, with renewed murmurs of a possible change of Chief Minister after the government completed the halfway mark of its five-year tenure on November 20. The speculation is rooted in an alleged 2023 “power-sharing agreement” between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.

Meanwhile, CM Siddaramaiah clarified that Kharge’s son, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, had travelled to Delhi on official work. “Rahul Gandhi had called him, so he went,” he said.

Responding to questions on MLAs supporting Shivakumar travelling to Delhi, Siddaramaiah maintained, “Let them go. MLAs have their freedom. Let’s see what opinion they present. Ultimately, the High Command has to decide, and we will abide by that decision. Whatever the legislators want to convey, they should convey it to the High Command. To put an end to this uncertainty, the decision must come from the top.”

Late-Night Meeting Raises Eyebrows

Adding to the political intrigue, Shivakumar held a late-night meeting on Tuesday with Satish Jarkiholi, a key Siddaramaiah loyalist who is widely seen as his political heir. The two reportedly met at an undisclosed location, and discussions stretched well past midnight.

Speaking to News18 later, Shivakumar downplayed the speculation: “The meeting with Jarkiholi was about the 2028 and 2029 elections and party organisation. What is wrong in meeting him? He is my cabinet colleague. I cannot discuss internal matters or any supposed ‘power-sharing deal’ publicly. I do not belong to any faction.”

Sources close to Shivakumar said Jarkiholi was attempting to resolve differences between the two leaders. The discussions largely focused on preparing the party for a post-Siddaramaiah political landscape, especially as the Chief Minister approaches what many view as political retirement.

However, sources told News18 exclusively that Jarkiholi made it clear to Shivakumar that he would continue to back Siddaramaiah without hesitation and would follow the High Command’s directives.

The ‘Secret Deal’ Remark

Fueling further speculation, Shivakumar hinted on Tuesday at a “secret deal” within the party involving five or six senior leaders regarding power-sharing.

“I don’t know. I have never asked to be made the Chief Minister. There was a secret understanding among five or six of us, but I don’t want to speak publicly about it. I believe in my conscience. We must work according to our conscience. I will not embarrass or weaken the party. If the party exists, we exist. If the karyakartas exist, we exist,” he said.

Speaking in his home constituency of Kanakapura, Shivakumar praised Siddaramaiah as an asset to the party. “He has completed 7.5 years as Chief Minister, including his 2013–2018 term. He has served as Leader of the Opposition and has built the party. We must work together with our sights set on the 2028 Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha polls.”

When asked whether the alleged 2023 power-sharing agreement actually existed, Shivakumar brushed aside the question: “Why should I speak about it? You, the media, have written enough already.