A short WhatsApp message from Rahul Gandhi to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has triggered fresh political chatter as the Congress high command inches closer to a decision on whether the state will see a change in leadership before the Parliament session begins on December 1.
Amid heightened speculation over a possible change of guard in Karnataka, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has responded to DK Shivakumar after days of communication attempts. With the Congress set to take a final call before the upcoming Parliament session, the brief message — “Please wait, I will call you” — has intensified discussions within party circles.
Leadership Tussle Intensifies Ahead of Parliament Session
As the Congress weighs whether to continue with the current leadership structure in Karnataka or introduce a major shift, developments over the past week have intensified the political atmosphere within the ruling party. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has been seeking an audience with the central leadership, finally received a response from Rahul Gandhi, setting off a wave of speculation over the party’s next move.
According to party insiders, Shivakumar had been attempting to reach Rahul Gandhi for nearly a week to discuss internal matters concerning the Karnataka government. His attempts reportedly coincided with growing pressure within certain factions of the party demanding a clearer power-sharing formula. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s leadership has remained under scrutiny, particularly from Shivakumar’s supporters, who believe a review was due as the party approaches the December 1 Parliament session with renewed political challenges.
Rahul Gandhi Responds After a Week of Silence
Sources familiar with the ongoing communication revealed that Shivakumar finally received a brief but significant WhatsApp message from Rahul Gandhi: “Please wait, I will call you.” While the message offered no details, it served as the first official acknowledgment of Shivakumar’s repeated attempts to discuss the political developments in Karnataka.
This message, although short, is being seen as strategically timed. With the Congress high command expected to decide on Karnataka’s leadership before December 1, the acknowledgement suggests that key discussions are likely to take place in the coming days.
Shivakumar Seeks Meeting With Sonia Gandhi
In parallel, DK Shivakumar has also sought a meeting with Congress parliamentary party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on November 29. Sources indicate that he intends to present his position directly to the senior leader, especially as the internal debate over leadership continues to intensify.
Shivakumar, who played a significant role in the party’s sweeping victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, has maintained that he deserves recognition in line with the pre-election understanding. Though the party has denied any formal rotational agreement, Shivakumar’s camp continues to push for clarity.
Congress High Command Expected to Decide Before December 1
The Congress high command is expected to announce its decision on Karnataka leadership before the Parliament session begins on December 1. This timeline has added urgency to the internal discussions, with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar maintaining strong support within different segments of the party.
While most senior party leaders have refrained from publicly commenting on the matter, insiders say the final decision will be guided by political stability, performance of the state government, and electoral considerations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Background: A Power Balance Since May 2023
Ever since the Congress returned to power in Karnataka with a strong mandate in May 2023, the leadership equation between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar has been closely watched. The party leadership has repeatedly emphasized unity and cohesion, even as internal demands for a clearer arrangement have occasionally surfaced.
Siddaramaiah, a mass leader with administrative experience, remains a key face for the Congress in Karnataka. On the other hand, Shivakumar, credited with consolidating the party’s organisation and contributing to its electoral revival in the state, commands significant influence among the cadre.
The current churn comes at a time when the Congress is preparing for an intense political season at the national level. Stability in a key state like Karnataka is crucial for the party’s broader national strategy.
What Happens Next?
With Rahul Gandhi now expected to personally speak with Shivakumar, discussions between the central and state leadership are likely to gain momentum. The outcome of this dialogue may determine whether the Congress opts for continuity, introduces a rotational arrangement, or makes a fresh leadership call.
Political observers believe that the party will prioritise avoiding any public rift, ensuring that the final decision reflects consensus among its top leaders. For now, the message sent by Rahul Gandhi indicates that significant conversations are imminent.
