Karnataka: The search for a new KPCC chief has begun, says All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge
All India Congress Committee President Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the media at the Kalaburagi Airport on Sunday (May 31). | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
With Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar set to take over as chief minister on Wednesday (June 3), the party is eyeing several leaders and caste combinations to identify his successor to lead the party organisation.
All India Congress Committee president Mallikarjun Kharge told presspersons in Kalaburagi on Sunday that discussions are actively underway to find a successor as the state party chief. ”The replacement of the KPCC chief must of course happen now. We have to evaluate good candidates and look at the right combination to make this appointment,” he added, looking at the future of the party and strengthening its organization.
Party sources said that apart from Satish Jarkiholi, who has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for the post of KPCC president, the names of other leaders are also coming up for discussion. The names appear as part of caste and regional combinations being discussed with a view to cabinet formation, and ultimately the decision will be part of a power-sharing deal between Mr Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, sources said.
Mr Kharge said, “We only have about 24 months left in the current legislative term and the incoming leader should be one who can work at a fast pace, promote collective unity and take everyone along. At the same time, there must be a strong team of party workers and leaders who can cooperate and work in tandem with the new chief. After considering all these aspects, we are discussing the matter.”
DCM’s post: Dalit left or right makes it complicated
The appointment of Deputy Chief Ministers and the decision to hand over the Bengaluru Development portfolio are still seen as sticking points during discussions on cabinet formation, which are also in the early stages. “The emergence of KH Muniyappa, a Dalit Left leader from Kolar, in the fight for the post of Deputy Chief Minister has complicated the decision and competition between the Dalit Left and the Dalit Right has emerged. If this issue is not resolved, the larger discussion on more Deputy Speakers will not move forward,” a Congress source said.
Senior leader G. Parameshwara and Minister Priyank Kharge were already competing for the post of Deputy Chief Minister in the SC quota and Mr. Muniyappa’s arrival further complicated the matter.
Sources said Mr Shivakumar is keen on retaining the Bengaluru development portfolio ahead of the elections to the five corporations in the Greater Bengaluru Authority, while his insistence has not gone down well with senior ministers.
The idea of a coordination committee is gaining support
A proposal to form a coordination committee – headed by outgoing chief minister Siddaramaiah to reach consensus on contentious issues – pushed by some party seniors has received public support from senior Dalit Left minister KH Muniyappa. “Coordinating committee is the most important and much wanted in every political party,” he told presspersons in Bengaluru on Sunday. The coordination committee headed by Mr. Siddaramaiah functioned during the Janata Dal (Secular) government in 2018-2019.
Published – 31 May 2026 20:37 IST