Overview
- Siddaramaiah met Mallikarjun Kharge in Bengaluru and dismissed talk of a leadership change as media speculation, saying he will abide by the party’s decision.
- Kharge told reporters he had nothing to add and that any call on Karnataka’s leadership would be taken by the Congress high command.
- Congress sources report at least 15 MLAs and about a dozen MLCs are in New Delhi urging the leadership to elevate D K Shivakumar, citing an unconfirmed 2023 rotational arrangement.
- Karnataka home minister G Parameshwara signaled he would be in the race if the party opts for a change and said Kharge would consult Rahul Gandhi, who is abroad.
- Party insiders describe friction over timing, with Siddaramaiah pushing a cabinet reshuffle as Shivakumar’s supporters seek clarity on the top post, and two ministers seen close to the CM meeting Kharge on Sunday.