Congress Contemplates Leadership Shift in Karnataka Post-Rajya Sabha Elections

The Congress party is weighing a potential leadership change in Karnataka following the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, sources have revealed. While top party figures gathered in Delhi, the issue of who will lead the state did not officially appear on the agenda during the meeting.

Central leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, engaged in discussions with current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar. The conversations add weight to speculation that Shivakumar could be appointed to the chief minister's post. Despite public denials by Congress members, Shivakumar's camp is reportedly pushing for his elevation amid claims of a prior promise.

Meanwhile, the party has decided to renominate Kharge for another Rajya Sabha term and is also considering D K Suresh, Shivakumar's brother, as a candidate. The discussions also involved strategies for the upcoming Karnataka legislative council elections.

Randeep Surjewala, the general secretary for Karnataka, emphasized that state and Rajya Sabha elections were the primary focus, dismissing rumors of an imminent leadership change as mere speculation.

(With inputs from agencies.)