In a major political development that could reshape Karnataka's ruling leadership, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday refused to categorically deny ongoing speculation about a potential change in the Chief Ministership. His remarks have reignited talk of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar replacing Siddaramaiah as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, a move that has been the subject of intense political discourse for over a year.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge passed the decision-making responsibility to the Congress high command, stating, “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 them. They have the power to take further action.”

This statement comes at a crucial time when Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala's visit to Bengaluru has stirred political circles, with several party insiders suggesting that a leadership reshuffle could be imminent.

Rumblings Within the Congress Party

The internal tussle within the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has been an ongoing saga since the party’s victory in the May 2023 Assembly elections. Despite DK Shivakumar’s key role in strategising and securing the win, he was asked to settle for the Deputy CM post, while Siddaramaiah was appointed the Chief Minister. Reports at the time pointed to an unconfirmed rotational CM formula, under which Shivakumar would take over after 2.5 years.

Now, as September 2025 approaches, voices within the Congress have begun advocating for the implementation of that informal agreement.

On Sunday, Karnataka Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain stoked the debate by stating that DK Shivakumar may get a chance to become CM within the next 2–3 months. “We have full confidence that the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time,” he remarked, while praising Shivakumar’s efforts in bringing the Congress to power.

Growing Momentum for DK Shivakumar

Several Congress leaders and party insiders have acknowledged the growing momentum behind DK Shivakumar’s elevation. His stature within the party, especially among AHINDA (minority, backward classes, Dalit) groups, has grown substantially. The support of 50+ MLAs reportedly backing Shivakumar has only amplified demands for a change in leadership.

Minister K N Rajanna recently added to the speculation by hinting at “revolutionary political developments” expected after September 2025, reinforcing whispers about a significant shift in Karnataka’s governance structure.

Shivakumar’s dual role as both Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President has also come under scrutiny, with discussions underway to possibly relieve him of the party post so he can focus on governance, or vice versa.

What the High Command May Be Considering

While Kharge’s comments avoided confirming any immediate decisions, they leave the door open for a high command-driven leadership resolution. This could include:

• Replacing Siddaramaiah with DK Shivakumar to fulfil internal power-sharing dynamics.

• Splitting party and governance responsibilities, allowing Shivakumar to focus on CM responsibilities and bringing in a new KPCC President from underrepresented communities.

• Delaying any decision until the end of the year, citing political stability or administrative performance.

The Congress high command, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, had earlier played key roles in forming the government post-2023 elections. Sources within the party have confirmed that a leadership review was always part of the long-term roadmap, especially if the Lok Sabha election results from 2024 indicated a performance dip in Karnataka.

Internal Struggles & Public Perception

However, the Congress finds itself in a precarious position. Any leadership change risks unleashing factionalism within the party, particularly among loyalists of Siddaramaiah, who still commands significant grassroots support and represents a vital OBC leadership base.

Opposition parties, particularly the BJP, are closely monitoring the situation. A misstep or perception of internal instability could become fodder for criticism ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

The party is also under fire over multiple controversies involving state administration, including:

• Allegations of corruption in MUDA and Valmiki Development Corporation

• Mishandling of the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede

• Accusations of poor coordination between ministers

DK Shivakumar’s Cautious Silence

Interestingly, Shivakumar himself has remained tight-lipped about the CM speculation, avoiding public comment despite open endorsements from MLAs. In January 2025, when Minister Satish Jarkiholi had expressed interest in leading the party as KPCC chief, Shivakumar had sharply reacted, stating, “You can’t get posts through the media or a shop. It is given as a reward for work.”

While his political base continues to grow, Shivakumar is aware that overt ambition could backfire, particularly with the Congress leadership stressing unity and discipline.

Conclusion

The current scenario in Karnataka highlights a classic Congress conundrum—balancing powerful regional satraps while maintaining high command authority. With Kharge now deflecting leadership questions to the high command and multiple party leaders hinting at change, the stage appears set for a possible transition in late 2025.

Whether the Congress chooses to honour an alleged rotational CM agreement, or opts for a status quo to preserve internal stability, the decision will have deep ramifications for the party’s strategy in southern India and beyond.

For now, all eyes are on the Congress high command, which must carefully weigh electoral calculations, caste dynamics, public perception, and party unity before making a definitive move on Karnataka’s leadership structure.

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