With every leader, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announcing their intention to stick to the High Command’s decision, Rahul Gandhi’s role is crucial. File | Photo credit: The Hindu
As the leadership debate in Congress gathers pace with central leaders expected to step in to douse the fire, talks were on the cards on Wednesday between leaders looking to cement their political futures.
Meanwhile, in New Delhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is understood to have briefed Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi about the leadership tussle and the two leaders are expected to meet again on Thursday.
Speaking to PTI in New Delhi, Mr Kharge said the issue would be resolved after discussions with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
KPCC President and DCM DK Shivakumar during the Constitution Day program in Bengaluru on Wednesday. | Photo credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
“The high command – me, Rahul ji and Sonia ji – together will take a decision on the issue and resolve it,” Mr Kharge said when asked about the issue.
Rahul’s key role
With every leader, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announcing their intention to stick to the High Command’s decision, Mr Gandhi’s role is crucial.
Party sources here said Mr Kharge, who has been meeting the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for the past few days, was learned to have told Mr Gandhi about the development and warned that if allowed to fester, it could damage the party’s prospects. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister could be called to Delhi before the winter session of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Mr. Shivakumar appeared to be offering an olive branch to the leaders with Mr. Siddaramaiah.
More meetings
While Mr Shivakumar met BZ Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed on Tuesday, his late-night meeting with Public Works Minister Satish Jharkiholi raised eyebrows. Mr. Jharkiholi and Mr. Shivakumar have been at loggerheads over the years allegedly over the latter’s meddling in Belagavi politics, the first political turf.
While the two publicly claimed to have discussed the Congress’ return to power in 2028, it is learned that Mr. Shivakumar, who is currently the KPCC president, sought the cooperation of Mr. Jharkiholi, who is lobbying for the post of KPCC president. Mr. Shivakumar is also learned to have met several other government ministers seeking their cooperation.
“Inside the Four Walls”
Mr Shivakumar told reporters, “Whatever was discussed was between four walls. It cannot be discussed in public. The post of chief minister will be decided by the high command. Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge will discuss and take a suitable decision.”
When his attention was caught by the legislators lobbying for him in Delhi, he said, “Maybe they went to lobby for a ministerial post since the chief minister was talking about reshuffle of the cabinet. No one needs to speak for me… I believe in collective leadership. The party will take care of my interest.”
When asked about the alleged message from Rahul Gandhi, he said, “It’s not something I want to discuss in public.
On Wednesday, Mr. Jharkiholi learned to discuss strategies with about a dozen lawmakers over lunch. He also admitted to reporters that he continued to identify with Mr. Siddaramaiah, but also clarified that he was not hostile to Mr. Shivakumar. The PWD minister also said that he did not see the circumstances for a change in leadership, but he stuck to the decision of the high command. “Mr. Siddaramaiah’s leadership and services are essential even after he retires from politics.”
“Don’t let limbo last”
It is also learned that some legislators who met the central leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, urged them to end the confusion that is damaging the party’s image. “Any deal, if any, has been reached between them. We don’t want this limbo to continue,” the source said.
(With additional inputs from PTI)
Published – 26 Nov 2025 21:32 IST
