Mysuru (Karnataka), May 7 (PTI) Senior Congress MLA K N Rajanna said on Thursday over a dozen leaders in the ruling party, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, could become the Chief Minister of Karnataka if a leadership change takes place.
He said Deputy CM D K Shivakumar has “more aspiration” for the post because he is also the party’s state unit chief.
The former minister, considered close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urged the Congress high command to take an early decision on the leadership change issue and clear the “confusion” at the earliest.
The statements come amid speculations within the Congress and political circles over a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle soon following the assembly election results in four states and one union territory.
“The CM has said that he will abide by the high command’s decision. Ultimately the high command has to decide. I urge the high command to resolve the confusion at the earliest, if not resolved it will impact the administration, governance and the party. I have told this to AICC personally, written a letter to them, and communicated it through you (the media),” Rajanna said.
Speaking to reporters here after meeting the CM, he urged the Congress high command to take an early decision and end the uncertainty over the issue.
“Either allow Siddaramaiah to effect a cabinet reshuffle or decide on the change of leadership at the earliest. If done so it will help the party and governance. This is my clear stand,” he added.
Siddaramaiah asserted on Wednesday that the Congress government would complete its five-year term, while sidestepping questions on whether he personally would remain in office for the full duration.
Responding to a query on Shivakumar’s supporters expecting “good news” by May 15, the former Minister said, a person should be optimistic, one can lead a life if they are an optimist. “What’s wrong if they have optimism?” “There are many people like–Shivakumar, Kharge (AICC President) Mallikarjun Kharge, G Parameshwara, M B Patil, H K Patil (all Ministers) –they are all aspirants. We have over a dozen people who can become Chief Minister. As he (Shivakumar) is the party president, he has more aspiration, there is nothing wrong,” he said.
Supporters of Shivakumar have been insisting on his elevation in line with a reported power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when the party won the 2023 Assembly elections. Some have even claimed that “sweet news” is expected by May 15, which is their leader’s birthday.
Asked whether Congress can bear the implications of replacing Siddaramaiah, Rajanna said, the high command will decide.
“Ours is a national party, the high command ultimately takes decisions. While making any decision they should consider all aspects…..I won’t say there will be a CM change or there won’t be. Ultimately the high command has to decide and they will have to decide at the earliest,” he added.
The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fuelled by the reported “power-sharing” arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023. PTI KSU ROH
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