DK Shivakumar Gains Momentum: 100 MLAs Push for Leadership Change in Karnataka

Internal pressure mounts on Congress as calls grow louder for Siddaramaiah’s replacement

Party high command faces tough balancing act amid 2028 election concerns

New Delhi: July 1, 2025

The Congress party in Karnataka is once again facing internal turbulence, with growing demands for a leadership change at the state level. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emerged as the preferred choice for the top post among a significant section of party legislators.

A Congress MLA has stirred the political waters by stating that nearly 100 party lawmakers want a shift in leadership. Without directly naming Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the legislator hinted that a transition is long overdue and that Shivakumar, who has played a key role in revitalizing the party at the grassroots, making him a strong contender for the chief minister’s post.

“Not just my view, over 100 MLAs waiting for change”
In a candid interview, the MLA said, “This isn’t just my opinion. More than 100 legislators believe that it’s time for DK Shivakumar to lead. His contribution to strengthening the party on the ground has been immense. If the leadership doesn’t act now, it could cost us dearly in the 2028 state elections.”

He added that party members plan to raise the issue with senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala and urged the high command to act in the interest of the party’s future. “We respect the leadership, but ignoring the situation on the ground would be a mistake,” he warned.

Surjewala, High Command Push Back
Mallikarjun Kharge has made it clear that the authority to choose the chief minister rests entirely with the party’s top leadership. Surjewala, who is currently touring Karnataka, dismissed speculation about a leadership switch, stating that his visit is purely organizational.

“My focus is on reviewing the party’s development work and strengthening the organizational structure. Talk of leadership change is unfounded,” he clarified.

A Challenge for Congress Leadership
The latest rift poses a renewed challenge for the Congress top brass as it attempts to maintain unity ahead of the next assembly elections. With a sizeable bloc within the party reportedly backing Shivakumar, all eyes are now on how the high command responds to the growing discontent—and whether the deputy chief minister will be elevated to the top post.