Karnataka Congress Leadership Crisis Deepens Amid Speculation

Karnataka’s political landscape has entered a fresh phase of turbulence as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar landed in Delhi for a series of high-stakes meetings with the Congress high command. With cabinet reshuffle, power-sharing, and leadership change rumours swirling intensely, the political climate in the state is charged with uncertainty.

The developments come just days after the Congress suffered a sharp setback in the Bihar elections, which has influenced internal equations within the Karnataka Congress.

This is your complete and elaborated full-coverage analysis, capturing every major report from Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Deccan Herald, NDTV, Times of India, Deccan Chronicle, The Indian Express, India Today, Economic Times, and more.

🔴 Why Karnataka is Buzzing: The Trigger for the New Political Storm

Several top Congress leaders from Karnataka are in Delhi — a move that media reports say has “sparked major speculation” about a possible leadership shake-up.

Key reasons behind the political buzz:

1️⃣ Cabinet Reshuffle Long Overdue

For months, there has been pressure from MLAs waiting to be inducted into the cabinet.
The CM’s October visit to Delhi reportedly revived hopes among cabinet aspirants.

2️⃣ Leadership Change Narrative Gains New Fuel

After the Bihar poll debacle, some within the party believe Siddaramaiah may emerge stronger, while others think high command may consider balancing equations.

3️⃣ Rising Fissures Between Siddaramaiah & DK Shivakumar Camps

While both leaders publicly display unity, their supporters press for dominance within state leadership.
Shivakumar’s loyalists argue for implementing the alleged unwritten power-sharing formula.

🟦 DK Shivakumar: The Eye of the Storm

Multiple media outlets including NDTV, Udayavani, India Today, Press Trust of India, and Economic Times carried the same message:

🟩 DKS says: “I’m a disciplined soldier. I won’t blackmail the Congress.”

He strongly denied:

• Quitting as KPCC Chief

• Resignation threats

• Poor health rumours

• Leadership change demands

He also said:

“My health is good. I’m loyal to the Congress.”

💠 Why Such Rumours Emerged?

Reports suggest that:

• DKS raised concerns about a possible leadership shift

• He met Kharge and KC Venugopal

• His camp fears being sidelined in the upcoming reshuffle

• His brother DK Suresh openly batted for him

🟧 Siddaramaiah: Strong After Bihar?

According to The Hindu, News18, and BusinessLine, Bihar’s results unexpectedly strengthened the Siddaramaiah camp because:

• High command is under pressure after a national setback

• Stability in Karnataka is necessary

• Siddaramaiah’s governance ratings remain strong

• The party wants minimal disruptions in the only major state it governs independently

Siddaramaiah’s meetings with Rahul Gandhi and other top leaders indicate:

👉 CM wants reshuffle clearance

👉 He wants full control over cabinet decisions

👉 Power-sharing talks are being decisively rejected

🟩 Congress High Command: The Final Decision Makers

Across outlets like The Hindu, Times of India, The News Mill, and The New Indian Express, one common thread emerged:

“The high command will decide on cabinet reshuffle and leadership issues.”

Key leaders involved:

• Mallikarjun Kharge – National President

• Rahul Gandhi – Key strategic decision-maker

• KC Venugopal – Organisational General Secretary

The high command is reportedly weighing:

• The optics of a reshuffle soon after Bihar defeat

• Balancing Lingayat, Vokkaliga, and Dalit representation

• Containing factionalism in the Karnataka unit

• Maintaining stability ahead of 2028 Assembly polls

🟥 Satish Jarkiholi’s Statements Add Heat

Minister Satish Jarkiholi has made multiple strong comments:

• Called for clarity from high command

• Said leadership confusion must end

• Asserted that cabinet reshuffle is not the same as leadership change

His statements reopened debate on:

Is there a hidden power tussle?

Is DKS pushing for the CM’s chair?

Did the Bihar defeat influence state politics?

🟦 BJP Reacts: “Power Tussle Will Intensify”

The Hans India reported that BJP leaders claim the Congress is on the brink of infighting.

They say:

• The CM-DKS rivalry is widening

• Congress is trying to cover up its national defeat

• Cabinet expansion cannot fix internal leadership ambitions

🟩 What Each Media House Indicates (Quick Breakdown)

Hindustan Times

Top leaders’ Delhi visit triggers high speculation.

Deccan Herald

DKS raised leadership change concerns in Kharge meeting.

The Hindu

Cabinet rejig hopes rise among aspirants; CM-Rahul meeting crucial.

NDTV

DKS dismisses resignation rumours; videos reinforce public loyalty message.

TOI

“Health fine,” “not blackmailing,” “loyal soldier” — repeated clarifications.

New Indian Express

DKS trying to block Siddaramaiah’s reshuffle plan.

BusinessLine

Leadership churn revived post Bihar setback.

India Today / India TV / ETV Bharat

Detailed buzz over cabinet expansion and leadership shift.

🟪 What’s Next for Karnataka Politics?

1. Cabinet Reshuffle Expected Soon

Sources say CM awaits Kharge’s final consent.

2. No Immediate Leadership Change

High command fears instability.

3. DKS Likely to Stay KPCC Chief (for now)

Party doesn’t want to disturb organisational structure before Lok Sabha 2029 preparations.

4. Power-sharing Formula Unlikely

Congress leadership wants a “strong CM model” in Karnataka.

5. Factional Talks Will Continue

No final resolution this week — only temporary control measures.

🔵 Conclusion: Karnataka Congress at a Critical Crossroads

Karnataka remains the Congress party’s strongest state after multiple national losses.
But the Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar equation, the reshuffle pressure, and Bihar’s political fallout have combined to create a fragile internal environment.

The next 48–72 hours in Delhi will determine:

• Who gains more influence

• Who loses political ground

• How the Congress plans to safeguard the only major state it governs

One thing is certain —
the Karnataka Congress leadership battle is far from over.