Kharge Summons Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi to Resolve Karnataka Leadership Rift

Bengaluru, Nov 2025 : In a significant political development, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday announced that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister and state party chief D.K. Shivakumar would be called to Delhi for high-level discussions aimed at amicably resolving the ongoing leadership tussle in the state unit.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru before leaving for Delhi, Kharge said, “We will call three to four leaders and hold meetings. The issue will be resolved. The discussions will take place in the presence of everyone, and a decision will be taken later.”

Kharge added that upon reaching Delhi, he would immediately call the key leaders and begin consultations to clear all confusion surrounding the matter. When asked whether Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and other Karnataka leaders would be present, the AICC chief confirmed that all concerned leaders would need to attend the meeting. “We will discuss the matter and settle it,” he said.

The remarks come against the backdrop of a series of internal meetings within the Karnataka Congress. On Wednesday, Shivakumar held discussions with PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a staunch supporter of the Chief Minister. Sources indicated that the two leaders spoke about the ongoing power-sharing debate, although Shivakumar publicly maintained that the discussions focused on preparations for the 2028 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

In another internal development, senior Congress leader and MLC B.K. Hariprasad met Jarkiholi and Social Welfare Minister H.C. Mahadevappa — both regarded as close confidants of Siddaramaiah. Their meeting added to speculation about continued factional alignments within the party.

Shivakumar has repeatedly stated that the party’s unity and its return to power in future elections are more important than any position, including the Chief Minister’s post. “The high command will decide on power transfer and the CM post. Senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi, will take a suitable decision,” he had said earlier, adding that the party leadership would protect his interests.

Sources revealed that the crucial meeting involving state and central leadership is likely to be held on November 29 in Delhi. A final decision on resolving the leadership dispute is expected, potentially bringing an end to the prolonged power struggle within the Karnataka Congress.