Karnataka Politics: Will the Congress High Command Resolve the Leadership Quandary?
By Manjunath K. Shresthi
October 13, 2025
The Indian National Congress (INC) currently holds power in three states — Himachal Pradesh in the north, and Karnataka and Telangana in the south. Among these, politics in Karnataka continues to dominate national headlines, thanks to its dynamic leadership equations and ongoing speculation about possible changes at the top.
The Congress came to power in Karnataka in May 2023 with a resounding mandate, winning 136 of the 224 assembly seats.
Many political observers credited the victory to the collective effort of the party leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi’s campaign and the organizational strength of state president D.K. Shivakumar (popularly known as DKShi).
Following the win, there was an intense debate within the party over who would lead the new government. Shivakumar was a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s post, but ultimately, veteran leader Siddaramaiah was chosen for his second term as Chief Minister.
Shivakumar accepted the post of Deputy Chief Minister and continued as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.
Since then, reports and speculation about a “rotational Chief Minister” arrangement — with a possible change after 2.5 years — have persisted. However, the Congress high command has never officially confirmed any such agreement. As Siddaramaiah approaches the halfway mark of his term in November 2025, questions about a potential leadership reshuffle have again taken centre stage.
Adding to the buzz, discussions are reportedly underway about a possible Cabinet reshuffle or expansion after the Bihar assembly elections conclude on November 22. Analysts suggest such a move could either consolidate Siddaramaiah’s position or recalibrate the internal power balance between him and Shivakumar.
Meanwhile, conversations about appointing a new KPCC president have also surfaced. A recent meeting in Bengaluru among leaders considered close to the Chief Minister added further fuel to speculation.
Shivakumar, however, has publicly dismissed talk of a leadership change, urging party members not to indulge in speculation.
He has also cautioned the media against “spreading unnecessary rumours” about internal party matters. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, for his part, has repeatedly stated that he intends to complete his full term, emphasizing that all major decisions rest with the Congress high command.
A dinner hosted by Siddaramaiah at his Bengaluru residence on October 13 is expected to bring together senior party leaders, possibly to demonstrate unity amid the ongoing chatter. Ultimately, insiders agree that only the Congress high command in New Delhi — under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi — can make a definitive call on Karnataka’s leadership issue.
For now, the party’s challenge is to manage ambitions and ensure stability in one of its most politically significant states.
(The author is associated with www.theflagpost.in & www.thetalkofthetown.in)
