Kalaburagi

Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said there is no immediate plan to change the Chief Minister in Karnataka, adding that any decision on the leadership issue will be taken at an appropriate time.

His remarks come amid ongoing speculation within the Indian National Congress about a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle after May 4, when results of assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, along with bypolls in Karnataka, are expected.

Supporters of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have been pushing for his elevation, citing a reported power-sharing arrangement with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the time the Congress formed the government in 2023.

Responding to suggestions, including remarks by Home Minister G Parameshwara, that he himself could take over as chief minister, Kharge said such a question does not arise at present. He emphasised that Karnataka already has a chief minister and any decision regarding leadership would be taken collectively by senior party leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.

“There is no question of change right now. If any decision has to be made, it will take time. We will see,” Kharge said.

Speculation around leadership in the state has intensified after the Congress government completed half of its five-year term in November 2025, with reports of a rotational chief minister arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continuing to fuel the debate.

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On remarks by JD(S) leader and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy that several Congress MLAs may travel to Delhi amid the ongoing discussions, Kharge said he had no information and advised seeking details from Kumaraswamy himself.