Bengaluru: Amid escalating tensions within the Karnataka Congress over the CM post power struggle, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge has issued his first response — and he has chosen silence.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge said he would not comment on the political developments unfolding within the state unit.
“I have nothing to say. I will not speak about these ongoing developments. Whatever has to be done, the High Command will decide,” Kharge repeatedly stated.
Kharge’s remarks come at a time when the Congress leadership battle has intensified, with MLAs from both the Siddaramaiah camp and DK Shivakumar camp meeting him in Bengaluru over the past three days. Several leaders even travelled to Delhi seeking clarity from party central leadership.
Despite being AICC President, Kharge maintained that all final decisions will be taken only after consultations with top leaders in Delhi, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi.
Also Read: Congress Leadership Crisis Deepens: Kharge Struggles to Mediate as Siddaramaiah–DKS Factions Escalate Power Battle
Sources say Kharge is under pressure from both factions. The DK Shivakumar camp is pushing for the implementation of an alleged “power-sharing promise”, while the Siddaramaiah camp is asserting that the CM will continue for the full five-year term.
Insiders indicate that Rahul Gandhi is abroad and discussions on Karnataka’s crisis may only happen after his return. A wider meeting involving Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Kharge, KC Venugopal and Randeep Surjewala is expected.
Kharge’s non-committal stance also suggests that the High Command has not made any final decision yet. Senior Congress leaders believe the leadership question will only be resolved after a detailed review in Delhi.
For now, Kharge has sent a clear message — No comment. No commitment. Delhi will decide.
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