Karnataka To Have A New Chief Minister? Here's What Congress President Kharge Said

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge recently addressed the media regarding the potential change in Karnataka's Chief Minister. He stated that such decisions rest with the party's high command. This comment sparked curiosity, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya questioning the identity of this 'high command'.

Kharge emphasised that any decision about leadership in Karnataka is solely up to the high command. He mentioned, "It is in the hands of the party high command. No one can say what is going on in the high command," suggesting uncertainty about who comprises this group.

Leadership Decisions and High Command

The Congress has consistently referred to its high command when discussing leadership changes. In February, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah echoed this sentiment, stating that any leadership decisions would be made by them. This has been a recurring theme within the party.

In April, Basavaraj Shivaganga, a supporter of Shivakumar, openly demanded Siddaramaiah's removal by December. This demand highlighted ongoing factionalism within Karnataka's Congress unit despite directives against public dissent from the high command.

BJP's Response and Criticism

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya took advantage of Kharge's remarks to question who exactly this 'unseen' high command is. He sarcastically compared it to a ghost, saying it's "unseen, unheard, but always felt." Surya's comments aimed to highlight perceived ambiguity within Congress leadership.

Surya further criticised Kharge through a post on X, writing: "The Congress High Command is like a ghost. It is unseen, unheard, but always felt. Even the Congress President, who people thought is the high command, whispers its name and says it's not him. So eerie!"

Internal Dynamics and Factionalism

The internal dynamics within Karnataka's Congress unit have been tense due to factionalism. Despite efforts to maintain unity, public calls for leadership changes have persisted. The party's reliance on its high command for decision-making has been both a source of stability and contention.

Currently, Randeep Surjewala, Congress Karnataka in-charge, is in Bengaluru conducting private meetings with around 100 MLAs. Sources indicate these interactions are part of a damage-control effort amidst ongoing speculation about leadership changes.