Siddaramaiah, DKS meet Surjewala in Capital amid buzz of leadership change
New Delhi/Bengaluru – July 11, 2025
Amid growing speculation of a leadership change in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held meetings with senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala in New Delhi. While the Congress called the talks routine, the timing sparked a fresh political buzz. The focus reportedly remained on administrative appointments and internal reviews, but many believe deeper tensions could be at play.
Key Meetings Spark Political Chatter
The back-to-back meetings in Delhi raised eyebrows both in Bengaluru and at the party’s national headquarters. Though official statements described the discussions as procedural, political circles read more into the gathering. Surjewala, who oversees Congress affairs in Karnataka, recently met over 100 MLAs. His outreach appears designed to measure internal support and address unrest.
Siddaramaiah Clears the Air
After the meeting, Siddaramaiah spoke strongly against rumors. “There is no vacancy. I remain the Chief Minister and will complete my term,” he told reporters. His comments directly countered talk of a mid-term shift in leadership.
The buzz around a power-sharing deal began in 2023, when Congress returned to power in Karnataka. According to rumors, the party had promised Shivakumar the chief minister’s post midway through the five-year term. Siddaramaiah firmly denied any such agreement. “There was no deal, and we don’t need one. We have a clear mandate from the people,” he said.
Shivakumar Maintains a Neutral Tone
Shivakumar stayed cautious in his response. “I will serve the party in whatever role I am assigned,” he said. “My priority is to strengthen the Congress and fulfill our promises.”
Though Shivakumar did not challenge Siddaramaiah publicly, his ambitions are well known. As Karnataka Congress president, he played a central role in the 2023 victory. Many party workers view him as the next in line. His separate request for a meeting with Rahul Gandhi, made around the same time as Siddaramaiah’s, added fuel to the debate.
BJP Adds Pressure
The opposition BJP wasted no time in jumping into the fray. Former minister B.S. Sriramulu claimed Congress had made a secret pact. “They promised to rotate the CM post after two-and-a-half years. That promise will soon come due,” he said.
BJP leaders often highlight alleged cracks within the ruling Congress. They believe that pushing the leadership debate helps them gain an edge ahead of the 2026 Lok Sabha polls.
Surjewala’s Role in the Background
Surjewala remains the Congress’s point person in Karnataka. He described the meetings as regular and administrative in nature. “Every state requires coordination. These meetings focused on organisation and governance,” he said.
Party sources say Surjewala wants to keep the team united. His ongoing review meetings with MLAs are part of that effort. He’s also believed to be tracking the government’s performance and preparing for Lok Sabha polls.
Leadership Keeps Its Distance
Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge have not issued statements on the matter. Their silence appears strategic. The high command may be monitoring developments before stepping in.
Insiders say the Congress leadership values both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Removing either leader could upset the delicate balance of caste and regional politics in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah, a backward-class leader, holds mass support in rural regions. Shivakumar enjoys influence in the Vokkaliga community and southern Karnataka.
Party Image at Stake
With the BJP attacking from the outside and friction possibly growing within, the Congress faces a delicate moment. Publicly, the party wants to project unity. Any sign of instability could damage its standing before national elections.
Siddaramaiah’s confident remarks aim to squash such concerns. Shivakumar’s measured words signal that he won’t rush into open confrontation. However, their individual moves—such as meeting requests with Rahul Gandhi—show that rivalry simmers beneath the surface.
What Comes Next?
For now, Siddaramaiah appears firmly in control. Most MLAs support him, and he has administrative experience. But the months ahead could prove critical. If performance falters or electoral outcomes weaken Congress’s grip, the high command may reassess the equation.
Shivakumar remains patient but persistent. His influence in the party remains strong, and he enjoys a loyal support base. Political watchers expect more backroom negotiations and subtle moves in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The Congress may claim unity, but leadership questions continue to hover over Karnataka. Siddaramaiah has declared there is “no vacancy” in the chief minister’s post. Shivakumar has refrained from pushing publicly. Surjewala continues his balancing act, trying to keep both camps on board.
Whether this is routine party management or a sign of deeper change will become clearer soon. For now, the Congress leadership must walk a tightrope to prevent any internal shift from turning into a political crisis.
