Bengaluru: In a bold assertion amidst growing speculations about the leadership tussle in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on November 26 emphasized that the Congress party in the state is unified and focused on winning the 2028 Karnataka Legislative Assembly elections and the 2029 General Elections.
Shivakumar’s comments came in response to rumors and discussions about a potential change in the state’s leadership, following the ongoing political drama between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding power-sharing. Shivakumar, who is also the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), reassured that there is no factionalism within the party, and all members are united under one banner – that of Congress.
“We have no divisions or groups in the party. The only group we have is Congress. We have 140 MLAs together in our group, and no one can divide us,” Shivakumar stated, accusing the opposition BJP of attempting to create unnecessary confusion within the party ranks. He further asserted that the ruling party should not allow the opposition’s efforts to sow discord.
Shivakumar’s confidence in party unity came despite several media reports suggesting that Congress leaders were divided over leadership roles. He firmly denied such claims, reiterating, “The BJP is trying to create confusion, but we are all united. I don’t need anyone’s help – I’ve been with Congress since birth.”
When asked about a message reportedly sent to him by Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar clarified that it was a personal message, which he said he was not willing to discuss in public. “What Rahul Gandhi has said to me is a matter for our internal discussions. There is no need to speak about it in public,” he said, adding that the party’s focus is on securing victory for Congress in the 2028 and 2029 elections.
In response to a question about whether he sees himself becoming the Chief Minister in 2028, Shivakumar reaffirmed his belief in collective leadership. “I have been serving as the party president for the last six years. I believe in collective leadership. I believe in the collective strength of the party, not individual leadership,” he said, distancing himself from the idea of personal ambition.
Shivakumar also declined to discuss the specifics of the power-sharing agreement, which has been a subject of controversy since Congress formed the government in May 2023. “I do not want to discuss anything in the media. Whatever issues we have, we will discuss them within the four walls of the party. We do not discuss politics in the media,” he said. However, he indicated that he would seek time to meet with the party high command in Delhi in the coming days to resolve any internal matters, including finalising the appointments for the vacant MLC seats and restructuring the KPCC trust.
“I couldn’t go to Delhi today because it’s Constitution Day, and there is a Cabinet meeting tomorrow. But after that, if there’s any work to be done, I will definitely ask for time to meet with the high command. There are some important decisions to be made, like finalising the MLC appointments and reconstituting the KPCC trust,” Shivakumar explained.
Regarding his recent meeting with senior minister Satish Jarkiholi, who is considered close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar clarified that their discussion focused on political strategy and strengthening the party. “We discussed party strengthening and political strategy,” he said, indicating that the internal leadership rift was being addressed behind the scenes.
In a related statement, Kharge assured the public that the leadership issue would be resolved soon. “We will sit together with Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and myself to discuss this matter. We will provide any necessary mediation to resolve the issue,” Kharge said on Wednesday.
#WATCH | Delhi: On Karnataka political turmoil and speculations around CM post, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge says, "Only the people there can say what the Government is doing there. But I would like to say that we will resolve such issues. People in the High Command – Rahul… pic.twitter.com/tw0keLQ43y
— ANI (@ANI) November 26, 2025
Sources indicate that the Congress high command is expected to make a final decision on leadership changes before the start of the winter session of Parliament on December 1.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi reportedly sent a brief WhatsApp message to Shivakumar, saying, “Please wait… I will call you soon.” This message has further fueled speculation about the ongoing discussions between the Congress leadership and Shivakumar regarding the future direction of the party in Karnataka.
In the midst of these developments, senior Congress leaders like Nirmalanandanatha Swamiji of the Adichunchanagiri Mutt have publicly backed Shivakumar’s leadership, stating that he deserves a chance to lead the state in the remaining two and a half years of the current term. “Shivakumar has worked tirelessly for the party and deserves the opportunity to lead,” the Swamiji said during a public address in Channarayapatna. This marks a significant endorsement for Shivakumar, as party leaders continue to debate the issue of leadership within Congress.
