AICC general secretary for Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, dismissed rumours of a leadership change in the state on Monday, January 13, and said that no internal discussions regarding a change in the Chief Minister's position had taken place. He also accused the BJP of fabricating narratives to discredit the government.
Speaking to the media before the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting, he said, “The Congress is united, and Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister. Whenever a decision is made, it will be announced by the top leadership – Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi – at the appropriate time. Such discussions have not taken place within the Congress. This is why the BJP is wasting time with fabricated stories, intending to undermine Congress’ guarantees. They are not merely targeting the Congress government but are, in fact, attacking the people of Karnataka. However, the BJP can never defeat the people of Karnataka.”
Surjewala is visiting Karnataka to participate in Congress meetings aimed at preparing for the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' convention. Scheduled for January 21 in Belagavi, this significant event organised by the AICC will mark the centenary of the 1924 Indian National Congress session led by Mahatma Gandhi.
His statements follow Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks denying any vacancy for his position, despite persistent media reports suggesting a possible shift in leadership.
"There is no confusion among us. The media repeatedly reports that the CM will be changed, even though the chair is not vacant. Yet, such claims continue to be made. It is speculated and reported as a political discussion if we meet over food. Sometimes, even dialogues are fabricated about what we might have discussed, based purely on speculation," Siddaramaiah said on Jan 12.
Following Siddaramaiah’s recent dinner with select Dalit and ST cabinet colleagues, speculation is rife within the Congress about a possible change of guard in the state after the March budget, under a "rotational chief minister" or "power-sharing" formula.
The issue has created ripples within the Congress, with contrasting signals from party leaders. Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar’s cabinet colleague KN Rajanna, considered close to Siddaramaiah, suggested that Shivakumar focus on leading the party to victory in the next elections rather than vying for the Chief Minister’s post during the current government’s term.
In response to this, Shivakumar stated on Saturday, January 11, that he is not seeking anyone’s support and operates in line with the Congress party’s directives. Shivakumar’s comments come amid growing buzz about a possible leadership change in Karnataka, with speculation centred on a "rotational chief minister" or "power-sharing" formula.
Rumours suggest that Shivakumar might take over after Siddaramaiah presents the state budget in March 2025. However, Shivakumar, also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, distanced himself from such discussions, urging his supporters and party members not to lobby on his behalf.
"As per the Sanskrit saying 'Karmanye Vaadikaarasthe...', I put in the effort and leave the results to God. I don't want anyone's support, and I will do what the party wants me to do," Shivakumar said while speaking to the media in Sringeri on January 11. When asked about factions of party workers rallying for him to become the next CM, Shivakumar said, "I do not want anyone's support. I don't want any MLA to shout out his support for me. It is between the Congress party and me. I will do whatever the party wants me to do. I am just doing my duty."
Meanwhile, consecutive dinner meetings were planned by Congress ministers Satish Jarkiholi and G Parameshwara, which were viewed as efforts to counter Shivakumar’s influence within the party. However, Parameshwara’s dinner meeting was cancelled after Surjewala intervened allegedly following complaints from Shivakumar’s camp.
Jarkiholi downplayed the significance of his meeting, describing it as a routine gathering. Shivakumar also dismissed any political undertones, calling the meeting a New Year’s dinner. However, the timing of the events, especially with Shivakumar on a private trip abroad during Jarkiholi’s dinner, fuelled speculation about factional dynamics within the Congress.
The leadership issue has lingered since the Assembly elections in May 2023, when intense competition between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar for the Chief Minister’s post ended with Shivakumar taking the Deputy Chief Minister role. Reports at the time suggested a compromise under a rotational chief minister formula, which could see Shivakumar assuming the top position after two and a half years. However, the Congress leadership has yet to confirm this arrangement.