On May 26, 2026, the Congress party made efforts to mitigate concerns regarding the ongoing leadership tussle in Karnataka involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. After a protracted meeting at Indira Bhavan in Delhi, party leaders insisted that their discussions were primarily focused on the upcoming Rajya Sabha and Legislative Council elections, rather than internal conflicts. AICC General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal, alongside both leaders, addressed the media to clarify the party's stance.
During the press briefing, Venugopal stated that the discussions involved key figures such as AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi. He firmly dismissed the media's speculations about a leadership crisis, asserting, “There is no reality in them at all.” He emphasized that the only agenda was the elections, and any rumors of discord were unfounded.
- Focus on upcoming elections — Party leaders stress priority on Rajya Sabha and Council seats.
- Dismissals of speculation — Media rumors about leadership changes are denied.
- Potential power-sharing discussions — Sources indicate talks about roles within the party.
Despite the official narrative, sources within Congress suggest that discussions regarding the Chief Minister's position were indeed broached during the meeting. Allegedly, Rahul Gandhi proposed a power-sharing formula, which included offering Siddaramaiah a Rajya Sabha seat while considering a Deputy Chief Minister role for his son, Yathindra Siddaramaiah. However, Siddaramaiah reportedly declined this offer, leading to speculation about his future within the party.
As the situation unfolds, D.K. Shivakumar appeared optimistic after the meeting, leaving without addressing media queries. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah's demeanor suggested concern over the proposals discussed, prompting ongoing speculation regarding the Congress leadership dynamics in Karnataka. The party's leadership must navigate these complexities carefully as they prepare for upcoming elections, balancing internal unity with electoral strategy.
