Karnataka Congress MLAs hope for decision on leadership after Kerala CM pick

Bengaluru, May 12 (PTI) Karnataka Congress leaders expect the party high command to decide on the leadership tussle and the much awaited cabinet reshuffle in the state, after the Kerala CM issue is settled.

Congress-led UDF won the April 9 polls but the national party is yet to finalise its Chief Minister pick.

Senior leaders Satish Jarkiholi and K N Rajanna stressed the need for the high command to clear the confusion on the leadership change issue in Karnataka at the earliest.

Speculation has been ongoing within the Congress and political circles about a possible decision on leadership change and cabinet reshuffle following assembly elections in four states and one union territory.

"Ours is case number two (before the Congress high command) after the Kerala CM selection issue. After the Kerala CM issue is resolved they will pay attention to Karnataka. Let's wait for some more time. The high command should resolve the conflict and differences that exist within the party (on the leadership issue). How they do it, it is left for the high command," Jarkiholi, who is also the PWD Minister, told reporters.

Stating that cabinet reshuffle is a long standing demand, he said it should also be resolved.

Asked whether the CM will be going to Delhi, Jarkiholi said Siddaramaiah will go if called by the high command, and this is likely only after the Kerala CM issue is resolved.

"Let's wait for Kerala developments to settle, ours is next," he said, adding that their demand is only that the confusion should be resolved, and the high command has assured that it will be done at the earliest.

Asked whether he is okay even if the high command decides to change the leadership, the minister said, "The CM himself has said that he will abide by the high command decision. I will also say the same thing." Former Minister and MLA Rajanna also said that since the Kerala CM is yet to be elected, whatever developments or changes happen in Karnataka after that remain to be seen.

"I had earlier said that political changes in Karnataka are expected in May; there is still time for May to end. Let's see what happens. There is a confusion in the state. If that has to be resolved, Siddaramaiah should be allowed to continue and be allowed to reshuffle his cabinet....I hope that Siddaramaiah will be allowed to reshuffle his cabinet," he told reporters.

"If the high command wants to change the leadership, let them decide and do it. Something has to be decided, otherwise, the administration will not function properly amid the confusion. The high command has to decide and clear the confusion at the earliest," he said, clarifying that he was not implying there should be a change in leadership but stressing that a decision must be reached.

Supporters of Shivakumar have been insisting on his elevation in line with a reported power-sharing agreement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when the party won the 2023 Assembly elections. Some have even claimed that "sweet news" is expected by May 15, which is their leader's birthday.

The leadership tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about a possible change of chief minister after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. The speculation has been fuelled by the reported "power-sharing" arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.

Ministerial aspirant and Magadi MLA H C Balakrishna said the Congress high command is likely to decide on the cabinet reshuffle after Kerala. It will happen in May itself.

"Whether it is a leadership issue or a reshuffle, the high command should decide, and I'm confident they will be resolved in May itself," he told reporters.

According to party sources, while Siddaramaiah favors a cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar wants the party to decide on the leadership change first.

According to several party insiders, if the Congress high command approves the cabinet reshuffle, it would signal that the incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will complete the full five-year term, which will scuttle Shivakumar's chances of occupying the coveted post. PTI