Kharge Rules out Chief Minister Change in Karnataka for Now

The Congress chief’s statement comes at a time when there is speculation within the party and political circles about a possible decision on leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when the results of assembly elections in four states and one union territory, as well as by-polls in two assembly segments in Karnataka, are announced.

Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are insisting on his elevation in line with the rumored power-sharing agreement with CM Siddaramaiah once the party wins the 2023 Assembly elections.

In response to a question on Home Minister G Parameshwara’s statement on Kharge becoming CM, he said, “You (media), he (Parameshwara) and senior people are saying it would be better if I become (chief minister). But Sonia Gandhi is taking decisions regarding me rather than fate based on my ideology and service to the party so far.” he said.

“But this question is not on the agenda now. There is already a Prime Minister here. If Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and I have to take a decision for change together, it will take some time. Let’s wait and see,” he told reporters here.

Amid speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka, Parameshwara on Wednesday said everyone in the ruling Congress party would welcome Kharge, a senior politician with a lot of experience, to become the chief minister.

The leadership struggle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of prime minister after the Congress government completes half of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation was fueled by the reported “power sharing” arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar when the government was formed in 2023.

To a question on JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s statement that around 40 Congress MLAs have booked tickets to Delhi next month amid the leadership tussle in the Congress, Kharge said, “I don’t know, ask him for the details.”