Once again, the Congress party finds itself in the middle of an internal war over the Chief Minister’s chair this time in Karnataka. Couple of years after the grand old party swept to power in the southern state, cracks have reappeared within the government. Amid rising corruption allegations, a deadly stampede in Bengaluru, and growing whispers of dissatisfaction within the party high command, Congress leadership is reportedly reconsidering Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s future. Fueling speculation further, recent visits and remarks by party leaders have brought Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar back into the spotlight as a likely contender for the top post.
Passing the Buck to “High Command”
Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge has chosen to tread cautiously on the issue, avoiding a firm stand and instead deflecting the matter to the party’s high command. While speaking to the media, Kharge remarked, “That is in the hands of the high command, nobody can say here what is going on in the high command. This is left to the high command; they have the power to take further action.”
This calculated response came at a time when Randeep Singh Surjewala, the Congress in-charge for Karnataka, visited Bengaluru setting off intense political speculation. His visit is being interpreted as a sign that the party high command may be preparing for a transition in leadership, especially with rising public criticism and internal dissatisfaction with the Siddaramaiah administration.
VIDEO | When asked about the talks that the Karnataka CM would be changed in October, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) says, “That is in the hands of high command, nobody can say here what is going on in high command. This is left to the high command, they have the… pic.twitter.com/bbpeBMT9DW
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 30, 2025
Kharge Slammed for ‘High Command’ Remark
Kharge’s comments have invited sharp criticism from both political opponents and civil society, many of whom see it as an admission that the Congress president despite being a senior Dalit leader remains powerless.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla took to ‘X’ (formerly twitter) and slammed the Congress leadership, saying “Candid admission by Kharge ji that despite him being president of INC, he isn’t the High Command. Congress is a family-run party. Even a Dalit President is remote-controlled by Parivar, much like Dr. MMS this has been said by Kharge ji in a way… It is very shameful!”
Poonawalla also pointed out how Kharge was sidelined during Rahul Gandhi’s birthday and Priyanka Gandhi’s nomination, saying the party continues to insult its own elected president. His remarks have resonated widely among BJP supporters and even political analysts who see Congress as still trapped in dynastic politics.
Candid admission by Kharge ji that despite him being president of INC he isn’t the High Command
Congress is a family run party
Even a Dalit President is remote controlled by Parivar much like Dr MMS- this has been said by Kharge ji in a way.. it is very shameful!No wonder… https://t.co/Md0fzqMbS4 pic.twitter.com/XACD1I8PBf
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) June 30, 2025
DK Shivakumar Camp Turns Up the Heat
Adding fuel to the fire, Congress MLA H A Iqbal Hussain recently hinted at major political changes in Karnataka post-September. “I believe the high command is aware of the situation and will take an appropriate decision at the right time to give DK Shivakumar an opportunity,” he said. Hussain’s comments echo earlier statements made by Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, who hinted at “revolutionary” developments likely to unfold in the coming months.
While Shivakumar himself has remained tight-lipped on the issue, his loyalists have grown increasingly vocal, reviving speculation about a possible rotational Chief Minister agreement wherein he would assume charge after Siddaramaiah completes half the term.
Siddaramaiah Under Fire: Stampede, Scams, and Sliding Credibility
One of the major flashpoints in recent months was the Bengaluru stampede at a government-organised event, which left several injured and raised serious questions about the state’s administrative preparedness. The incident has led to outrage among citizens and prompted the Congress high command to re-evaluate the Chief Minister’s handling of public events.
Adding to the CM’s woes are multiple corruption allegations against his cabinet colleagues. Charges of bribery, misuse of funds, and preferential contracts have haunted the government. The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam involving illegal land allocations has drawn considerable media attention, with the opposition BJP demanding accountability and CM’s resignation.
These controversies have eroded public trust and provided ammunition for Shivakumar’s supporters to question Siddaramaiah’s leadership and argue for a mid-term change.
A Rotational Deal or High Command Reset?
When the Congress returned to power in May 2023, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were locked in a fierce contest for the CM post. A compromise was brokered by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge, resulting in Siddaramaiah taking the CM chair while Shivakumar was made Deputy CM and state Congress president.
At that time, there were unconfirmed reports of a rotational CM formula, under which Shivakumar would take over halfway through the term. Although this arrangement was never formally acknowledged, recent developments suggest that the party may now be leaning toward activating this option if not as a formal agreement, then as a political correction to address dissatisfaction.
High Command’s Silence Is Loud
As Karnataka inches closer to the halfway mark of its current government, the Congress finds itself once again at a familiar crossroads managing egos, balancing power equations, and preserving public credibility. The party high command has remained tight-lipped, but the growing chorus from Shivakumar’s camp and the series of controversies engulfing Siddaramaiah suggest that a shake-up may be imminent.
Whether or not the Congress will bite the bullet and replace its sitting Chief Minister remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress are heating up, and the leadership will have to act decisively if it wants to avoid a full-blown political crisis.
