Karnataka Congress Awaits Clarity on CM Post, Cabinet Expansion

A few days ago, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge assured party leaders that the issue would be resolved soon. On Monday, Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi also stated that the confusion surrounding the Karnataka chief minister’s post would be cleared within the next few days.

Speculation over a possible leadership change intensified after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah completed two-and-a-half years in office. While Siddaramaiah’s supporters insist there is no discussion about a leadership change, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar continue to push for a transition after the completion of the first half of the government’s tenure.

Senior party leaders had been occupied with Assembly elections in five states, followed by the leadership issue in Kerala. With those matters now settled, Congress workers in Karnataka are urging the party high command to end what many describe as a “never-ending discussion” and focus on strengthening the organisation.

Apart from the leadership issue, the party is also facing pressure over Cabinet expansion and reshuffle. Following the exit of ministers B Nagendra and KN Rajanna, two Cabinet berths remain vacant. Senior legislators are demanding ministerial positions based on their experience, while several first-time MLAs are also lobbying for inclusion in the Cabinet.

Discussions have also intensified regarding a possible change in the KPCC president’s post, as DK Shivakumar has completed six years in the role. Meanwhile, discontent is reportedly growing among sections of Muslim leaders and party workers over the party’s strict action following the recent Davangere election controversy.

“We celebrated the completion of three years of the government on May 19 with a massive rally in Tumkur, which is a positive development. But it also means only two years remain before the next Assembly election. Confusion still continues within the state unit,” a senior Congress leader said.

“Karnataka was expected to become a model state for the party. In the next two years, the organisation must be strengthened and reorganised. Otherwise, it will be difficult to return to power,” the leader added.

Another party leader referred to the Congress defeat in the 2018 Assembly election. “We have already seen what happened after the Congress completed a full term under Siddaramaiah earlier. Despite being in power for five years, the party failed to return to office in 2018. The same mistakes should not be repeated,” he said.

“This time, the AICC president himself is from Karnataka. Khargeji should speak to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and ensure that the issue is settled at the earliest,” the leader added.

Within Congress circles, there is a growing belief that the high command may not be able to delay a decision much longer. Whether it results in a leadership change, a Cabinet reshuffle or a compromise formula aimed at balancing factions, party leaders feel that some form of intervention from Delhi has become inevitable as the Congress seeks to prevent internal uncertainty from affecting governance in Karnataka.