Karnataka Leadership Crisis: Congress MP Addresses Speculation on 'Change of Guard' Between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar

The Congress party's leadership in Delhi is facing a familiar challenge from Karnataka, where tensions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have escalated into a significant political conflict.

In recent days, what was once contained within private discussions has erupted into public discourse, featuring cryptic social media messages, factional demonstrations, and increasing speculation about a potential mid-term "change of guard" in Karnataka's leadership.

Amidst this political turbulence, Congress Rajya Sabha MP and national General Secretary Syed Naseer Hussain informed NDTV that final decisions remain with a select few in the high command. When questioned about the severity of the current situation, Hussain emphasized that the Congress leadership is managing the matter centrally.

"The party maintains communication with both leaders and other MLAs in Karnataka. Our General Secretary responsible for Karnataka, Shri Randeep Singh Surjewalaji, regularly engages with all MLAs, MLCs, party officials, senior leadership, the Chief Minister, PCC President, and others. An assessment was previously conducted, and now that these issues have become public, he has undertaken his own evaluation. Naturally, he will submit his findings to the party high command, which will address the situation based on the General Secretary's feedback," he explained to NDTV.

Hussain acknowledged that this internal conflict comes at a complicated time, with Parliament's Winter Session beginning December 1, followed shortly by the Karnataka Assembly session. When asked if the party could withstand such uncertainty heading into two legislative sessions, Hussain indicated he anticipated resolution within days.

"I believe clarity should be established before the winter session commences, as we don't want these issues lingering during Karnataka's assembly session. The party high command is determined to resolve this matter effectively and promptly," he stated.

He noted that with national leadership already gathering in Delhi for the parliamentary session, this presents "the best time" for discussions, adding that mid-term evaluations were inevitable.

A central question in Karnataka and beyond remains whether the party had previously agreed to a rotational Chief Minister arrangement in 2023. When directly questioned about a potential "change of guard," Hussain responded cautiously.

"I cannot provide an answer right now as I wasn't privy to the discussions when decisions were made following the 2023 elections. Only a very select few—perhaps three or four individuals—know what actually transpired. What was communicated, what wasn't, the precise language and terminology used—there are numerous rumors, whispers, and campaigns regarding this matter," he told NDTV.

Hussain added that upcoming meetings between the leadership and both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar "will bring more clarity and resolution" to the situation.