High Command Declines to Discuss Change in Chief Minister Role: Statement from Yathindra Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Congress is simmering with speculation, fuelled by remarks from Minister KN Rajanna and MLA Pradeep Eshwar, suggesting a potential leadership shakeup in the state.
Talk of change has been swirling around the ruling party, with Rajanna hinting at "a lot of changes" happening post-September 2025, citing increased power centers within the party as the root cause of internal tensions. He indicated three main power centers: the state Congress president DK Shivakumar, a faction in Delhi, and the chief minister Siddaramaiah himself.
Rumors have been circulating that Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi could replace Shivakumar as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, marking a significant shift within the party’s state unit. However, Rajanna clarified that the final decision rests with the party’s high command, leaving the timing uncertain.
These remarks come as discontent within the Karnataka Congress grows, with legislators expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s performance. Rajanna's comments further revealed that multiple party members are aspiring to become chief minister and Congress president, highlighting the factional nature of the party.
Contradicting the rumors, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of the Chief Minister, has flatly denied any leadership change, stating his father has the backing of both the party high command and legislators. He asserted that his father will complete his five-year term as Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, MLA Pradeep Eshwar showered praise on Shivakumar during a Kempegowda Jayanti event, fueling further speculation about the leadership race.
As Karnataka witnesses a power struggle between factions backing Siddaramaiah and those supporting Shivakumar, the political spotlight now turns to September, a month that increasingly seems like a potential turning point for the state's leadership. The decision made during this time could ultimately impact party unity, governance, and future elections.
War-and-conflicts within the Karnataka Congress are rising, as potential leadership shakeups and power struggles between factions backing Siddaramaiah and those supporting Shivakumar threaten party unity. Policy-and-legislation decisions and future elections could be influenced by these internal affairs, making general-news coverage crucial for understanding the state's political landscape.
