Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge delivered a stern message to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday, urging them to replicate at least 75 per cent of the development seen in Mysuru and Siddaramaiah’s home district for the Kalaburagi region. Speaking at a state government event in Kalaburagi, Kharge highlighted the stark developmental disparity within the state and insisted that progress should not be dictated by a leader’s birthplace or personal constituency.

Addressing Shivakumar directly, Kharge emphasised that equitable development was a collective responsibility. “You don’t need to be born in our area—we are doing fine where we are. But do for us at least 75 per cent of what you have done for Mysuru and Siddaramaiah’s district,” he said. He pointed to the absence of English-medium schools in many parts of north Karnataka, forcing families to send children to Bengaluru or elsewhere for quality education, which he described as essential for social mobility and prosperity.

Kharge rejected extravagant comparisons with global cities, asserting that the people of Kalaburagi sought nothing more than the level of infrastructure and facilities enjoyed in Mysuru. “We don’t want Singapore, we don’t want London, we don’t want America. Just give us what Mysuru has—that’s enough,” he declared, adding that large fund flows made such parity feasible and that excuses for inaction were unacceptable.

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The pointed remarks came against the backdrop of intensified speculation over the Karnataka Congress leadership, as the government crossed the halfway mark of its term on November 20. Kharge clarified that the high command retained full authority over any decisions, stating that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would be summoned to Delhi “whenever necessary.” He downplayed internal discord, maintaining that leadership confusion existed only locally and not at the national level.

Siddaramaiah, now the state’s longest-serving chief minister, has expressed confidence in completing his full term while deferring the final decision to the party leadership. Shivakumar, who also chairs the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, fuelled speculation on Sunday by highlighting his political journey and expressing optimism about the high command’s eventual choice. Earlier on Monday, Shivakumar met Kharge at his residence before jointly attending the Kalaburagi programme, projecting a facade of unity amid ongoing behind-the-scenes discussions.

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