BackPOLITICS
Kharge says there is no immediate change of Karnataka CM; decisions will involve top leadership
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said there would be no immediate change in Karnataka's leadership and that any decision would involve consultations at the top. The remarks come amid ongoing speculation about a leadership transition and cabinet reshuffle ahead of May 4 election results, and amid past discussions of a power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.
Why It Matters
The statement signals how central leadership plans to manage internal dynamics in Karnataka, a key Congress-ruled state, and sets expectations for any potential leadership changes before the results are announced.
Timeline
7 Events
Speculation about leadership change ahead of May 4 results
April 30, 2026
The article notes that speculation about leadership change and cabinet reshuffle continues to build ahead of the May 4 results from assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, along with by-elections in Karnataka.
Kharge reiterates no immediate leadership change; decision lies with top leadership
April 30, 2026
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said there is already a chief minister and that any change would be decided by Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and himself, indicating no immediate change in Karnataka leadership.
Kumaraswamy claims 40 Congress legislators booked tickets to New Delhi
April 30, 2026
JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy claimed that nearly 40 Congress legislators had booked tickets to New Delhi amid ongoing political developments.
Parameshwara says Kharge would be welcomed as CM if decision taken
April 30, 2026
State home minister G Parameshwara stated that Kharge would be welcomed as chief minister if such a decision were made, citing his experience.
Rajanna comments on leadership change timing
April 2026
Senior Congress leader KN Rajanna said earlier this week that Siddaramaiah would step down if Rahul Gandhi asked him to; he added that the matter is for the party high command.
November 2025: government crosses halfway point
November 2025
The government crossed the halfway point of its five-year tenure in November 2025, renewing talk of leadership transition.
Congress forms government in Karnataka; leadership speculation begins
2023
The article notes that the question of leadership has remained in circulation since Congress formed the government in Karnataka in 2023, with reports of a power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar.