This statement from the Congress chief comes amid ongoing speculations within the party and political circles regarding a potential leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, once the election results for four states and one union territory, along with bypolls in two assembly segments in Karnataka, are revealed.
Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar are advocating for his elevation, aligned with a rumored power-sharing agreement with CM Siddaramaiah following the party’s victory in the 2023 Assembly elections.
“You (media), he (Parameshwara), and others suggest that it might be better if I assume the chief minister’s role. However, beyond destiny, based on my ideology and service to the party so far, Sonia Gandhi makes decisions concerning me,” he responded to a question regarding Home Minister G Parameshwara’s remark about Kharge potentially becoming the CM.
While addressing reporters, he added, “However, that question is not relevant now. We already have a Chief Minister in place. If Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and I jointly decide to pursue a change, it will take some time. Let’s wait and see.”
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As discussions regarding a potential leadership shift in Karnataka persist, Parameshwara mentioned on Wednesday that everyone in the ruling Congress party would welcome Kharge, an experienced senior politician, if he were to become the chief minister.
The leadership debate within the ruling party has intensified as speculation continues about a possible chief minister change after the Congress government reaches the midpoint of its five-year term on November 20, 2025.
This speculation has been further fueled by the alleged “power-sharing” agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar established during the government’s formation in 2023.
In response to a question about JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s claim of around 40 Congress MLAs booking tickets to Delhi next month amid the ongoing leadership struggle in Congress, Kharge stated, “I don’t know; ask him for details.”
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