Mallikarjun Kharge remains quiet Karnataka Congress leadership change amid growing speculation – Karnataka News
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday preferred to remain quiet on the issue of leadership change in the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), avoiding any direct response on whether a new state president would be appointed soon. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has been holding the post since 2020, and speculation over his replacement has been rife within party circles.
Kharge, while addressing reporters, stated that appointments of state Congress presidents were in progress and that changes would be made in two to three states over the next few days. “I have changed the party president in Odisha. He is from a backward class. We have done it in three to four places. Gradually, it will be done in other places,” he said.
When pressed specifically about Karnataka, Kharge dismissed speculation and avoided making any concrete statements. “I cannot say anything specifically. If I say something, then you will twist it and add spices and seasonings. That’s the reason people don’t tell you the truth. Quickly, different stories will surface once it goes from here,” he remarked.
Kharge, however, emphasised that the party was steadily appointing new teams in various states and departments. “We are doing it one after another. We will do it in two to three states in the next couple of days. We will appoint office-bearers in those states where we have not done yet. We will also do it in other cells and departments of Congress,” he explained.
Amid speculation linking Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s recent meeting with him to the KPCC leadership issue, Kharge dismissed any political significance. “I am AICC president. Is it a big thing if someone meets me? Everyone comes to meet me. He (Satish Jarkiholi) is ours and he is from Karnataka. There is the convenience of getting a quick appointment over the phone. Can I say no to him?” he said.
Taking a swipe at the media, Kharge advised journalists not to “cook up stories” whenever top Karnataka Congress leaders, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar, Home Minister G Parameshwara, or Jarkiholi, meet him. “Do not speculate and disturb the government. The media is creating confusion, and leaders also become part of that confusion,” he said.
The debate over the KPCC leadership has been ongoing, with Jarkiholi and several other leaders arguing that the party needs a full-time state president who can dedicate more time to the role. Jarkiholi had recently said that ministers cannot manage both governance and party responsibilities effectively.
Amid the growing chatter, the Congress high command has reportedly issued a stern warning to leaders, instructing them not to publicly discuss sensitive topics such as the appointment of a new KPCC president, cabinet expansion, or any change of guard in the state leadership.
With inputs from PTI
