Amid growing speculation of an internal reshuffle in the Karnataka Congress and a potential change in leadership, State Minister Priyank Kharge on Tuesday firmly denied any such possibility, asserting that Siddaramaiah remains the Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar is the Deputy CM and PCC President, and there is no discontent within the party.
Responding to media reports surrounding AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala’s visit to the state, Kharge clarified, “There is no fire burning, no discontentment, and no talk of a change in the CM’s face. Everyone’s roles are clearly defined. Siddaramaiah is the Chief Minister and DK Shivakumar is the PCC President and Deputy CM. The High Command has clarified this as well.”
Kharge urged party members with concerns to raise them through internal channels rather than airing them in public.
“Everyone is free to express their opinions, but at the right forum. If someone has a problem with the state leadership, they should speak to the party High Command, not the media,” he added.
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, while addressing the media in Mysuru, reaffirmed the government’s stability and unity.
“Our government will last for five years like a rock. We are united,” he said, symbolically holding Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s hand to emphasize party solidarity.
Surjewala’s visit coincided with recent comments from State Minister KN Rajanna, who hinted at the possibility of an organisational reshuffle. However, party leaders downplayed the remarks, stating the visit was aimed at strengthening the party structure ahead of future elections.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also weighed in, stating that any leadership decisions lie solely with the party High Command.
“It is in the hands of the High Command. Nobody should create unnecessary confusion. Surjewala is here to assess the situation and will report back accordingly,” Kharge said.
The statements come as the Congress government in Karnataka marks over a year in office following its 2023 assembly election victory, with the leadership repeatedly stressing internal unity and governance stability.
