Karnataka Leadership Debate Rekindled as Yathindra Reaffirms High Command’s Stand

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : The leadership debate within Karnataka’s ruling Congress has resurfaced sharply after MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterated that the party’s high command has categorically ruled out any change in the state’s top leadership. His comments come at a time when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself has repeatedly said he will follow whatever decision the high command takes on the matter.

The issue gained further prominence after Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar sought a formal clarification from the Chief Minister, signaling escalating tensions between the two power centres of the party.

Addressing reporters in Belagavi on Thursday, Yathindra dismissed speculation over a possible leadership change. “There is no tussle for the CM’s post. I have already told you. Now everything is clear. The high command has clearly said that, as of now, there will be no changes in leadership,” he asserted.

In response to Yathindra’s remarks, Shivakumar gave a restrained but pointed reply: “I think the CM will reply for him.” The remark added fresh fuel to the debate and highlighted the sensitivity of statements coming from the Chief Minister’s son, who is increasingly viewed as an influential voice in the ongoing political equations.

Shivakumar, who is widely seen as a strong contender for the Chief Minister’s position, has maintained that he, too, will follow the party’s directions. However, his supporters within the Congress have repeatedly expressed discontent over what they describe as “unequal treatment” in the leadership discourse.

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, considered close to CM Siddaramaiah, backed the current leadership firmly. “Siddaramaiah will act as per the instructions of the high command. No decision has been made regarding a leadership change. We will follow what the CM says. Whatever the CM and the high command say, we will abide by it,” he said.

Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur echoed similar views, adding that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly stated they will abide by the high command’s decision. He noted that any final determination on leadership will be made only after considering the views of the party’s MLAs.

On the other hand, Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, a staunch supporter of Shivakumar, expressed frustration at what he perceived as double standards in reacting to leadership-related comments. “If we talk about leadership, they issue a notice. Our high command is powerful, not weak. There is discipline in the Congress party. We are committed to that discipline. No one can override the high command,” he said.

Taking a direct dig at Yathindra, he added, “If we speak, it becomes outrageous; if he (the CM’s son) speaks, it becomes magic. He should understand the circumstances before commenting. We should all know our positions.”

The latest tensions stem from Yathindra’s earlier remarks on Monday, in which he said those predicting a change in the Chief Minister’s post were “dreaming”, and reaffirmed that the high command had rejected any proposal for leadership change. Yathindra had also highlighted that Shivakumar himself admitted to being an aspirant for the CM’s post, but the high command had clarified “this is not the appropriate time”.

Speaking again in Belagavi on Thursday, Yathindra stood firm on his statements despite the controversy they triggered. “I am committed to my words. I have conveyed whatever I had to convey. I will not react to those statements any further. There is nothing more to say now. I cannot keep responding to every reaction. Let anyone say whatever they want,” he said.

As the Congress government completes more than a year in office, the renewed leadership debate has once again exposed the underlying friction between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar factions. Whether the high command’s stance will be enough to settle the matter remains to be seen.

Team Maverick.