‘Constant confusion’: Siddaramaiah seeks Rahul Gandhi’s intervention in Karnataka leadership tussle

Bengaluru: Amid persistent speculation regarding a change of guard in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reportedly sought an urgent meeting with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Sources indicate that the Chief Minister is looking to end the "constant confusion" surrounding the leadership issue, specifically as he plans to move forward with a cabinet expansion.

The instability stems from an alleged power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. When the government was formed in May 2023, reports suggested a pact where the two leaders would split the five-year term, serving 2.5 years each. The halfway mark passed in November 2025 without a transition, leading to escalated demands from MLAs loyal to Shivakumar.

Despite the internal friction, both leaders have publicly maintained a united front. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly asserted that he enjoys the confidence of the high command and will complete the full term. Similarly, Shivakumar has dismissed reports of a rift as opposition propaganda, stating, "Aren't the CM and I working like brothers?" and emphasizing that he abides by the party's decisions.

The Congress central leadership has attempted to distance itself from the rumors. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge recently stated there was "no confusion at the level of the party high command," placing the onus on state leadership to resolve internal issues. However, with Siddaramaiah now reaching out directly to Rahul Gandhi, it appears the Chief Minister is seeking a definitive directive to silence the speculation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized on the uncertainty, criticizing the state government for focusing on internal power struggles rather than governance.