Amid renewed speculation over a possible leadership change in Karnataka, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has dismissed reports of any immediate transition, affirming that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will continue in his role ‘for now’.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Kharge responded to remarks made by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who had earlier suggested that the party would welcome Kharge as Chief Minister. Kharge, however, downplayed the statement and reiterated that no such move is currently under consideration.
“You, the media, and others may say it is better if I become Chief Minister. But decisions about my role are taken by Sonia Gandhi, based on my ideology and service to the party,” Kharge said. “That question does not arise now. There is already a Chief Minister. If any decision has to be taken by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and myself, it will take time.”
Speculation around a leadership change has persisted within the ruling Congress, particularly since the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term last year. The issue has been fueled by opposition parties, sections of the media, and occasional remarks from within the Congress itself.
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Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has often been seen as a potential successor to Siddaramaiah, although he has consistently maintained a public stance of unity within the party.
Despite the ongoing speculation, Siddaramaiah recently surpassed Devaraj Urs to become the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state’s history. Known for advancing the ‘AHINDA’” (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) political framework, he is also among the few leaders to have completed a full five-year term in office.
The leadership debate had briefly subsided during recent bypolls in Davanagere South and Bagalkot, but has resurfaced in recent weeks. Adding to the discussion, senior Congress leader K. N. Rajanna stated earlier that Siddaramaiah would be willing to step down if asked to do so by Rahul Gandhi.
For now, however, the Congress high command appears keen to project stability, with Kharge’s remarks signalling that any decision on leadership will not be taken in the immediate future.
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