Fri Nov 21 05:51:49 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Congress in Leadership Tussle as Government Reaches Midterm

Bengaluru, India – November 21, 2025 – A faction within the Karnataka Congress, loyal to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, is escalating pressure on the party high command to install him as Chief Minister, replacing incumbent Siddaramaiah. This comes as the Congress government in Karnataka marked the halfway point of its five-year term on November 20th.

A group of Congress MLAs, aligned with Shivakumar, have reportedly descended upon Delhi to lobby party leaders, including national president Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary K.C. Venugopal. They are pushing for Shivakumar to take the helm, citing a rumored power-sharing agreement made during the government’s formation in May 2023.

While Shivakumar downplayed the legislators’ visit, sources within the party indicate an “aggressive strategy” is being adopted by his supporters. Former MP D.K. Suresh, Shivakumar’s brother, alluded to Siddaramaiah keeping a previous “promise” which has been interpreted to mean supporting Shivakumar as Chief Minister.

Siddaramaiah, however, has dismissed talks of leadership change as “unnecessary,” stating he has conveyed the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle after the midterm. He also refuted any connection between his recent visit to Chamarajanagar and potential political instability.

While some ministers remain steadfast in their support for Siddaramaiah serving a full term, the current developments suggest a growing rift within the Karnataka Congress. The high command’s response to this internal pressure will be crucial in determining the future leadership and stability of the state government.

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