Siddaramaiah Meets Kharge Amid Leadership Buzz, Says Congress High Command Will Take Final Call

Bengaluru, Nov 2025 : In the midst of intensifying leadership debates, political speculation, and differing statements within the ruling Congress in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge at his residence in Bengaluru on Saturday. The meeting, which lasted nearly one-and-a-half hours, has stirred fresh curiosity in state political circles.

Speaking to the media after the interaction, Siddaramaiah emphasised that the Congress high command’s decision would be binding on everyone in the party, reiterating that both he and Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar were committed to following its directives.

“The high command’s decision is final,” Siddaramaiah said firmly. “I must accept it, D.K. Shivakumar must accept it, and all Ministers and leaders must accept it.”

Despite visibly appearing fatigued, the Chief Minister handled questions without losing composure. Brushing aside suggestions that he looked “dull,” he remarked, “I will never remain dull. Neither dull nor overly elated—those extremes are not for me.”

Discussion Focused on Upcoming Local Body Elections, Says CM

While the extended duration of the meeting raised eyebrows, Siddaramaiah downplayed any political intrigue. He maintained that the interaction was mainly about organisational matters.

“We discussed issues related to the upcoming taluk panchayat, zilla panchayat, and BBMP elections,” he said. “It was a courtesy call since he (Kharge) was in Bengaluru.”

Pressed repeatedly about whether Kharge had asked him to continue as Chief Minister for the remaining two-and-a-half years of the term, Siddaramaiah dismissed such claims outright.
“Why are you asking everything? All this is speculation created by you (the media),” he retorted.

On Delhi Meetings and MLAs’ Complaints

The Chief Minister was also asked about the recent meeting between several Karnataka Congress MLAs and Kharge in Delhi, which reportedly centred on internal grievances and governance-related concerns.

“I have not questioned it,” he said, indicating that he had not sought details from either Kharge or the lawmakers. When asked why he had not done so as the Congress Legislature Party leader, Siddaramaiah responded that he would obtain information through official channels.

“I will gather whatever information I need from the Intelligence Department,” he said. “I have not sought details from the Congress President or from the MLAs.”

‘Just a Cordial Visit’

Responding to queries about why he spent more than an hour at Kharge’s residence if the meeting was merely a courtesy call, Siddaramaiah downplayed the visit again.

“I had snacks at Kharge’s residence—onion pakoda and dry fruits,” he said with a smile, refusing to attach political significance to the length of the interaction.
But he later acknowledged that the two leaders had a continuous discussion for more than an hour.

No Objection to Shivakumar Visiting Jailed MLAs

Asked about Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar’s visit to two Congress MLAs lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail, Siddaramaiah said there was nothing unusual about it.
“Let him go and meet them—there is no problem,” he stated.

Final Decision Rests With Delhi

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Congress central leadership would take the final call on all leadership matters in Karnataka.

“Ultimately, the decision will be taken by the high command,” he said. “Everyone will have to agree to it. That is the discipline of the party.”

He clarified that issues regarding leadership or the post of Chief Minister were not discussed during the Saturday meeting with Kharge.

The meeting, however, has added a fresh layer to the ongoing political churn in Karnataka, where murmurs of internal friction between factions led by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have continued to draw attention.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)