Shivakumar Says Congress High Command Will Call Him and Siddaramaiah Amid Leadership Tussle

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : Amid simmering tensions within the Karnataka Congress over leadership and power-sharing, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that the party high command will summon both him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at an appropriate time to discuss the way forward.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar confirmed that the national leadership had already communicated with both leaders over the phone. “They have informed us that they will call us at the right time. We will go,” he said, responding to questions about whether he was expected to head to Delhi after the ongoing Assembly session.

When asked if both he and the Chief Minister would attend the meeting together, Shivakumar said there was no other option. “Of course, both of us will go. Is it possible not to go there?” he remarked. He also assured that there would be transparency in the process: “I will inform the media. I won’t go secretly to meet them.”

Shivakumar outlined his travel plans, stating that he would be in Delhi on Tuesday to attend a meeting convened by the Union Ministry of Water Resources on river interlinking. He noted that the meeting would allow him to raise long-standing concerns related to the Mahadayi river dispute, the Krishna water award, the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, and the Upper Bhadra project.

“I am also scheduled to meet the Union Minister for Water Resources. We are seeking appointments with the Union Forest Minister and the Union Urban Development Minister as well,” he said. “These meetings are essential for Karnataka’s development. If required, I will meet the Prime Minister later.”

His remarks come as internal speculation rises over the Congress leadership formula in Karnataka. On Friday, Shivakumar appeared to challenge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assertion that there was no power-sharing agreement within the party and that he would remain in office for the full five-year term.

Shivakumar maintained that there was, in fact, an understanding between him, the Chief Minister, and the party high command. He refrained from divulging details but insisted that the arrangement was mutually binding.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah asserted strongly in the Assembly that the question of leadership change does not arise. “I am the current Chief Minister. I have completed two-and-a-half years in office and will continue in the future as well,” he said, dismissing reports of a rotational Chief Ministership agreement. He stressed that no discussions had taken place within the Congress regarding a change in leadership, and the party would continue to follow the directives of the high command.

As both camps wait for guidance from Delhi, the Karnataka Congress remains under the spotlight, with the leadership question overshadowing governance priorities. For now, Shivakumar reiterated patience: “They have said they will call both of us at an appropriate time. We will wait for the call.”