Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that no date has been fixed yet to discuss the possible change of leadership in Karnataka.
His statement came amid growing speculation about a power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar.
Addressing a press conference here, Karji stressed that any decision related to the leadership will be taken collectively by the party high command after proper consultation.
He also warned against misinterpreting his statements.
“Look, we will take a decision together, the three of us: me as AICC president, Sonia Gandhi as Congress parliamentary party president, and Rahul Gandhi as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. That’s why we always work together,” he explained.
Karg also said, “When the three of us set a date together, we will make a decision. Since no date has been set yet, how can I tell whether there is a change happening or not?”
He stressed that the Congress leadership follows a consultative process before arriving at any result.
“At the top command, we are having extensive discussions among ourselves and are also consulting other senior leaders. We are thinking about the outcome and then taking steps accordingly,” the Congress president said.
He stressed that a final timetable had not been set yet, and said: “When that happens, I will definitely inform you. Please do not misinterpret that.”
He noted that he often avoids commenting publicly to prevent misrepresentation.
Kharge stressed party discipline, saying that any final decision would be binding on everyone.
He added: “Whatever decision will be taken, it will be in the interest of the state, and everyone must support any decision taken by the senior leadership.”
Karg said on Thursday that there is no change in chief minister in Karnataka “at the moment” and that the leadership issue in the state will be resolved soon.
These statements come amid ongoing speculation about an alleged understanding to transfer power to Shivakumar when the Congress government completes the halfway stage in November 2025.
While Siddaramaiah maintained that he intends to complete his full five-year term, he also said that he would abide by any decision taken by the party leadership.
Recently, the visit of Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh to Delhi sparked speculation of a change in leadership. His supporters were also accused.
