Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge held a high-level meeting in Delhi on Saturday to resolve the growing leadership crisis in Karnataka, where tensions have escalated between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The discussions — described by sources as detailed and wide-ranging — examined the future political framework of the state government, possible leadership changes, and organisational restructuring within the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). A final decision is expected within the next 48 hours.
During the meeting at Kharge’s residence, Rahul Gandhi and Kharge reviewed multiple scenarios and evaluated the political consequences that could follow any reshuffling of power. Another round of consultations is planned for Sunday, with Sonia Gandhi likely to join.
The Delhi talks took place shortly after Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar held a breakfast meeting in Bengaluru, widely viewed as an attempt to display unity amid renewed pressure from Shivakumar’s loyalists for a transition in leadership. The power-sharing debate has re-emerged now that Siddaramaiah has crossed the midway point of his five-year term, rekindling claims that there was an internal understanding that the Chief Ministership would later move to Shivakumar, who currently heads the KPCC.
Both leaders have publicly tried to project harmony. Siddaramaiah said their discussions centred on gearing up for the 2028 elections and insisted there were no differences between them. Shivakumar echoed this line, declaring that he would accept whatever the party high command decides.
Despite these statements, groups of MLAs aligned with both leaders have increased lobbying efforts — with Shivakumar-backing legislators even travelling to Delhi to demand a mid-term leadership change, while Siddaramaiah’s supporters maintain that no such commitment was ever made.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are expected to be summoned to Delhi shortly for direct consultations with the central leadership. Congress high command is believed to be evaluating options ranging from a cabinet reshuffle to key organisational changes in the KPCC as part of a broader strategy to ease internal tensions and stabilise the government.
With national leaders stepping in and decisions imminent, the coming days are likely to determine the future power balance within the Karnataka Congress and whether the party opts for continuity or a mid-term leadership transition.
