Bengaluru: AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge has set the stage for a major political shake-up in Karnataka, hinting at imminent changes in the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) leadership. His announcement comes amid an intense power struggle within the Karnataka Congress, with rival factions vying for control.
“I will appoint two to three new PCC chiefs in the next two to three days,” Kharge stated in Kalburgi on Wednesday. This statement has fueled speculation that the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) could see a new face at the helm, a move that could significantly alter the state’s political landscape.
DK Shivakumar, the current KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, finds himself at the centre of this churn. While his supporters are rallying behind his long-standing ambition to become Chief Minister, the Siddaramaiah faction is pushing for his removal, arguing that too much power is concentrated in his hands. This internal tug-of-war has heightened tensions within the party, with each camp lobbying aggressively in Delhi.
Kharge, a Karnataka veteran himself, also hinted at broader changes within the Congress structure, stating that the appointment of new office-bearers and heads of various party cells would be finalised within “five to eight days.” While he refrained from explicitly addressing the KPCC leadership change, his calculated silence has only intensified the intrigue.
Several prominent leaders have already made their moves. Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi and Home Minister G Parameshwara have reportedly met Kharge in a bid to stake their claims. Their names, along with Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, all from the influential Dalit community, are being actively discussed. A Dalit KPCC chief would be a strategic counter to the BJP’s growing outreach to the community and could serve as a masterstroke in Karnataka’s political chessboard.
Adding another dimension to the drama is the growing speculation that the Congress may opt for a Lingayat leader, with Industries Minister M B Patil and Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre emerging as top contenders. Given the Lingayat community’s clout in Karnataka, this move could be a game-changer, potentially helping Congress reclaim ground lost to the BJP in recent years.
Meanwhile, the Shivakumar camp is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for power. They continue to press for the implementation of the alleged “rotational CM formula,” an arrangement reportedly promised after the Congress’s victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. While the party high command has never officially confirmed this deal, the persistent demand has kept the debate alive, with each development adding new layers to the unfolding political drama.
As Karnataka Congress braces for a pivotal decision, the battle lines have been drawn. The next few days could redefine the state’s political equation, setting the tone for Congress’ fortunes in the run-up to future elections. With power, influence, and strategy at play, all eyes are now on Kharge and the high command’s next move
