Karnataka Leadership Row Intensifies as Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan Asserts Siddaramaiah Will Remain CM Until 2028

Bengaluru, Nov 2025 : Amid the escalating debate over leadership transition within the Karnataka Congress, Minister for Housing and Waqf Zameer Ahmed Khan—considered a close confidant of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah—reiterated that the Chief Minister’s post is “not vacant” and firmly stated that Siddaramaiah will remain in office until 2028.

His remarks gained significance as they came shortly after AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge indicated that both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar would soon be summoned to Delhi to settle the ongoing leadership issue.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Zameer Khan emphasized continuity in leadership. “I have maintained from the beginning that Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister now, and he will continue in the post until 2028,” he said. “However, ours is a high-command–driven party. We abide by whatever the high command decides. If they draw a line, we will not cross it.”

When pressed on whether Siddaramaiah might be asked to step down as part of a power-sharing arrangement, Zameer dismissed the possibility outright. “That question simply does not arise. Siddaramaiah will continue,” he asserted.

Referring to Kharge’s latest statement, Zameer noted, “The AICC President has said he will speak to the concerned leaders. Once he intervenes, the process will move forward.”

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao echoed this view, stressing that Kharge’s involvement leaves no room for speculation. “If Kharge has said that a meeting will be held, then the leaders will be called, consulted, and the matter will be settled. There is nothing more to discuss,” he said.

Former Minister and MLA K.N. Rajanna, another prominent Siddaramaiah supporter, urged caution against assumptions about any power-sharing arrangement. He pointed out that details regarding leadership decisions are known only to top leaders including Kharge, AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar.

“If you ask me what their arrangement is, what can I say?” Rajanna remarked. “When the high command calls, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar will go to Delhi and receive the message for which they have been summoned. Both leaders will respect and follow the decision of the high command.”

Rajanna stressed that the Karnataka Congress remains committed to the leadership of the party’s central command. “Our position is simple—we will go by whatever the high command decides. Whether someone continues or steps down is secondary. Let us not pre-judge the situation. If there is a power-sharing agreement, it will be decided there,” he said.

He also expressed his view on religious leaders commenting on political affairs. “I believe that seers should focus on spiritual teachings and moral guidance. Followers of seers exist in every party, but it is not appropriate for religious figures to interfere in political matters,” he stated.

Rajanna further clarified that issuing notices to party leaders for breaching discipline is routine. “This is common in all parties. Action will be taken depending on the situation,” he said.

He also countered claims that the Congress relies on particular caste blocs such as Ahinda (minorities, backward classes and Dalits). “Ahinda sections are present in every party. They are not limited to the Congress. The Congress has leadership from all major communities, and any party can come to power only by ensuring broad social representation,” he said.

Expressing confidence in D.K. Shivakumar’s approach, Rajanna added, “I am certain that the Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the State Congress President, will not engage in activities such as collecting signatures or encouraging factionalism.”

As the leadership issue continues to dominate Karnataka’s political discourse, the party awaits the high command’s intervention, which is expected to shape the immediate future of the state’s governance.