Political speculation surrounds Karnataka’s Congress government over a potential leadership change involving CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar. This follows their meeting with Rahul Gandhi amid rumors of a mid-term power-sharing deal.
Karnataka’s political corridors are abuzz with speculation as the leadership dynamics within the ruling Congress party appear to be under scrutiny, prompting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to seek clarity from senior party leader Rahul Gandhi on the future course of governance.
The development follows media reports and political chatter about a potential power struggle involving Siddaramaiah and his deputy, D.K. Shivakumar, even as Congress attempts to maintain a united front.
On January 13, 2026, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar briefly met Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru airport, a meeting that has intensified speculation over whether the state’s top leadership will see changes, especially as the Karnataka government crosses the halfway mark of its five‑year term.
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Videos and reports captured the trio in conversation, sparking political interpretations about possible interventions by the party’s national leadership to mediate internal tensions.
Speaking to reporters after the encounter, Siddaramaiah sought to downplay the rumours, emphasising that there is “no confusion” within the party on leadership issues and that discussions with Rahul Gandhi were not about office changes but routine consultations. He reiterated that decisions concerning the chief ministership rest with the Congress high command and that speculation by media outlets has fuelled unnecessary controversy.
Despite these assertions, the political narrative in Karnataka is shaped by long‑standing undercurrents of perceived power sharing between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. After the 2023 assembly victory, murmurs circulated about an informal understanding wherein the Chief Minister might step aside halfway through the term in favour of his deputy -- a claim Siddaramaiah has consistently denied.
The opposition, particularly the BJP in Karnataka, has seized the opportunity to criticise the Congress, painting the developments as evidence of internal disarray and misplaced priorities. BJP leaders have suggested that factional politics are overshadowing governance, urging the Congress to prioritise administrative stability over internal power games.
Despite the swirling political currents, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed the Congress government’s focus on delivering governance and meeting public expectations. He dismissed suggestions of imminent leadership change and maintained that any decision on the chief minister’s post will ultimately be guided by the party’s high command, a stance both he and Shivakumar have publicly reiterated.
As Karnataka prepares for upcoming local body elections and broader strategic political goals, clarity from the high command may be pivotal in quelling internal rumour mills and steering the party toward unity ahead of future electoral battles.
