2 More Congress MLAs Rally Behind DK Shivakumar for Leadership Role

Leadership Shift Buzz Grows in Karnataka Congress as Tanveer Sait Calls for New Faces

Senior Congress leader and former Karnataka minister Tanveer Sait has sparked fresh speculation about a possible leadership change in the state, calling for the party to allow new leadership to emerge.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Mysuru legislator stressed that leadership should not remain static, and emphasized the importance of transition within the party.

"Leadership can't be stagnant. New leadership has to come and grow. Whenever the opportunity is given, it'll happen. But individual statements shouldn't be viewed as rebellion," Sait said, downplaying suggestions of internal dissent.

His remarks come amid rising chatter about a reshuffle within the Karnataka Congress, especially as support gathers behind Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as a potential successor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

On Tuesday, Congress MLA CP Yogeshwar from Channapatna became the latest to publicly back Shivakumar, stating:

“All our district MLAs are united that DK should become Chief Minister. There’s no disagreement. Now it’s for the high command to decide.”

While the party has not made any official announcement, the growing chorus of endorsements for Shivakumar has highlighted the emerging internal push for change. Still, the final decision rests with the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

Amid the speculation, DK Shivakumar himself offered a guarded response when questioned about his aspirations. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said:

"Even if efforts fail, prayers never go unanswered. I have prayed for what I desire. This is not the place for political discussion—let good happen to the state."

His statement has been interpreted as a strategic non-denial, reflecting both his ambition and his loyalty to the party’s current leadership structure.

As murmurs of transition grow louder, the Congress high command faces the challenge of managing competing ambitions while maintaining unity ahead of upcoming political milestones in Karnataka.