The Congress leadership’s decision to summon Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to New Delhi on Tuesday has triggered fresh speculation over the unresolved power tussle in the state unit, even as party leaders insisted the meeting was only about the upcoming Rajya Sabha election and Legislative Council vacancies.
Confirming the meeting, Siddaramaiah on Monday said he had been asked to be in Delhi at 11 am, but claimed he was unaware of the agenda. The Chief Minister maintained that political speculation was routine and refused to attach significance to renewed talk of a possible leadership discussion.
The timing of the meeting, however, has raised fresh political questions in Karnataka, where uncertainty over the Congress leadership arrangement has persisted since the party returned to power in 2023. Though the high command has repeatedly tried to cool speculation, the issue has refused to fade from public debate.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who was also with Siddaramaiah and Congress general secretary in-charge of Karnataka Randeep Singh Surjewala at a press conference in Bengaluru, initially appeared uncertain about attending the Delhi discussions, saying he would travel only if called by the party. Later, he indicated that he was likely to visit the national capital as several organisational matters, including electoral preparations, were expected to be discussed.
Surjewala sought to dismiss the political buzz, saying the consultations were linked to the Rajya Sabha election scheduled for June 18 and possible vacancies in the Karnataka Legislative Council. The Congress is expected to comfortably secure three of the four Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant from the state.
Yet, the leadership question continues to shadow every major political development within the Karnataka Congress.
For months, Siddaramaiah has reportedly been pushing for a Cabinet reshuffle. Sources close to the Chief Minister said around 10 to 12 ministers could face removal on the basis of performance, caste representation and regional balance. Aspirants for Cabinet berths are also expected to head to Delhi after the Chief Minister’s visit, further adding to the political heat around the meeting.
The proposed reshuffle is being viewed in political circles as more than an administrative exercise. It is widely seen as an attempt by Siddaramaiah to tighten his hold over the government amid continuing murmurs over a rotational Chief Minister formula involving Shivakumar, a subject the Congress leadership has never publicly clarified.
Sources close to Shivakumar said the meeting could include Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party general secretary KC Venugopal. Kharge’s Rajya Sabha tenure is ending in June and discussions on his renomination are also expected.
Shivakumar, however, avoided commenting on whether the Chief Minister’s post would come up for discussion.
