All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Mallikarjun Kharge has reportedly held discussions with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar amid renewed speculation over the state’s leadership dynamics. The informal meeting comes at a time when internal tensions within the ruling party in Karnataka have once again surfaced, driven by discussions over a possible power-sharing arrangement.

According to party sources, the meeting took place at the residence of Karnataka Energy Minister K J George in Bengaluru shortly after the leaders returned from Kerala, where they attended a swearing-in ceremony of a new Congress-led government. Kharge reportedly travelled back to Bengaluru along with Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, and other senior party leaders, during which the matter was discussed informally.

The latest round of speculation stems from long-standing reports of a power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which has reportedly gained momentum after the Karnataka government completed the midway point of its term in November 2025. While no official confirmation has been issued by the party, discussions within political circles have intensified, prompting calls from some leaders for clarity from the central leadership.

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Party insiders said that the meeting largely focused on recent political developments in the state and the continuing uncertainty over leadership arrangements. Some legislators are believed to have urged the party high command to intervene and provide a clear roadmap to avoid internal friction within the state unit. The issue has also triggered broader debate within the party about stability and governance continuity.

Karnataka MLA K N Rajanna publicly suggested that leadership discussions may have already taken place during the Kerala visit, noting the presence of senior leaders including Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar. His remarks added further fuel to ongoing speculation about behind-the-scenes negotiations within the party leadership.

Meanwhile, sources indicate that senior Congress leaders are awaiting the return of party general secretary K C Venugopal for further consultations. With expectations of additional discussions in Delhi in the coming days, the leadership question in Karnataka continues to remain unresolved, keeping the political atmosphere in the state tense and closely watched.

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