A fresh round of political rumblings has surfaced in Karnataka as internal demands grow louder for a leadership change within the ruling Congress government. Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, known to be close to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, has claimed that nearly 100 party MLAs are in favour of replacing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with Mr Shivakumar.
The assertion comes ahead of a critical meeting with senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, who is in Bengaluru amid growing tensions over the Chief Ministerial post. The MLA warned that the Congress risks losing its hold in the 2028 Assembly elections if the leadership issue is not addressed now.
“DK Shivakumar deserves an opportunity,” says MLA
Iqbal Hussain stated that DK Shivakumar, credited with revitalising the party’s state unit during his tenure as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, has earned the right to lead the state. “Over 100 MLAs are in favour of a change. Many are eagerly waiting for this moment. DK Shivakumar has worked tirelessly for the party and played a crucial role in its revival. Now, he should get the chance to serve as Chief Minister,” he said.
He further noted that he would raise the issue during the meeting with Mr Surjewala. “If the change doesn’t happen now, the Congress may not be able to retain power in 2028,” he added.
Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar present united front
In response to growing speculation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed the possibility of a leadership reshuffle. Speaking from Mysuru with Mr Shivakumar beside him, he said, “This government will be as solid as a rock for five years.” Holding hands with the Deputy CM, he asserted their unity and said their relationship remained strong despite outside attempts to sow discord.
Meanwhile, Mr Surjewala termed his visit to Karnataka as a routine organisational review and rubbished leadership change talk as “a figment of imagination”.
Rotational CM debate resurfaces
The roots of the current unease trace back to the post-2023 Assembly election scenario, where DK Shivakumar was seen as a top contender for the CM’s post. Eventually, he agreed to serve as Deputy Chief Minister and continue as state party chief. At the time, there was speculation about a rotational Chief Minister arrangement, but no official confirmation ever followed.
Now, with internal pressure mounting, questions are being raised again about whether such an arrangement was indeed made — and whether it’s time for the party to act on it.