Sun Feb 22 12:22:37 UTC 2026: # Karnataka Congress Leaders Lobby Against Leadership Change Amidst Internal Confusion

The Story:
Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi and other Congress leaders have lobbied the party high command to end the internal confusion surrounding the state leadership. In statements made on February 22, 2026, Jarkiholi downplayed speculation of mid-term leadership changes, stating that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to continue his term. However, he admitted to visiting AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi with other leaders to address the leadership issue and expressed confidence that the high command would resolve the matter soon.

Key Points:

  • Satish Jarkiholi, PWD minister and KPCC working president, stated that Siddaramaiah is expected to continue as Chief Minister.
  • Jarkiholi and other Congress leaders visited AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to address leadership confusion.
  • Kharge assured the leaders that the leadership issue in Karnataka would be resolved soon.
  • Jarkiholi denied that his trip to Delhi was in support of any particular leader, including CM Siddaramaiah or DCM D.K. Shivakumar.
  • A separate delegation of district Bar Association presidents accompanied the PWD minister to Delhi for unrelated professional visits.

Critical Analysis:
The article highlights a clear power struggle within the Karnataka Congress. While publicly denying any specific support for individual leaders, Jarkiholi’s efforts to meet with the party high command indicate a coordinated effort to influence the succession plan or at least maintain the status quo under Siddaramaiah. The timing, after the budget presentation, suggests anxieties regarding potential leadership transitions that might disadvantage certain factions within the party.

Key Takeaways:

  • Internal divisions and uncertainties exist within the Karnataka Congress regarding future leadership.
  • Congress leaders are actively lobbying the party high command to influence leadership decisions.
  • The party high command acknowledges the leadership confusion and promises resolution.
  • Public denials of supporting specific leaders mask underlying power struggles.
  • The timing of these events suggests a strategic move to secure favorable positions before any potential leadership changes.

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