‘Make Parameshwara CM’: Congress MLA Sparks Fresh Leadership Buzz In Karnataka
‘Make Parameshwara CM’: Congress MLA Sparks Fresh Leadership Buzz In Karnataka Published By, Last Updated: May 18, 2026, 19:41 IST Rajanna stressed that if the
‘Make Parameshwara CM’: Congress MLA Sparks Fresh Leadership Buzz In Karnataka Published By, Last Updated: May 18, 2026, 19:41 IST Rajanna stressed that if the party decides on a leadership change, he would support Parameshwara. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara (File photo) Fresh political buzz over a possible leadership change in Karnataka gained momentum on Monday after senior Congress MLA KN Rajanna said Home Minister G Parameshwara should be considered for the chief minister’s post if Siddaramaiah is replaced. Rajanna, a former minister, said Parameshwara had waited long for the opportunity and deserved a chance to lead the state if the Congress leadership decided to make a change. Speaking to reporters, Rajanna said Parameshwara had served as Karnataka Congress president for eight years and could have become chief minister after the 2013 Assembly elections if he had won his seat. “He lost the election then, and his due is still pending," Rajanna said while backing the Home Minister for the top post.
‘Rahul Gandhi And High Command Will Decide’ Rajanna stressed that he was expressing only his personal opinion and said the final decision would rest with the Congress high command and Rahul Gandhi. He added that if his opinion was sought, he would prefer Siddaramaiah to continue as chief minister. However, if the party decides on a leadership change, he would support Parameshwara. Karnataka Leadership Talks May Have Happened In Kerala Rajanna also claimed that discussions about Karnataka’s leadership may have taken place in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, where several senior Congress leaders had gathered for the swearing in ceremony of the new Kerala government. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, party leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar were among those present at the event. Rajanna said it was his “prediction" that Karnataka politics may have been discussed during the meeting. Calls For ‘Dalit CM’ Grow Louder The remarks come amid increasing demands within sections of the Congress for a Dalit leader to become chief minister in Karnataka.
Parameshwara is being seen as one of the leading names if such a decision is taken. His name has surfaced several times during discussions around a possible leadership change, especially among AHINDA leaders in the party. AHINDA is a political and social grouping of minorities, backward classes and Dalits, closely linked to Siddaramaiah’s politics. Power Sharing Debate Continues Speculation about a leadership reshuffle has continued since the Congress government crossed the halfway mark of its five year term in November 2025. Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly demanded that he should be made chief minister, citing a reported power sharing arrangement reached when the Congress formed the government after the 2023 Assembly elections. The ongoing political discussion has also triggered rumours of a cabinet reshuffle in the state. Meanwhile, Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre had earlier said any decision regarding cabinet changes would be taken by the chief minister and the Congress high command.
He added that the government’s focus remained on governance and development work. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 18, 2026, 19:34 IST News cities bengaluru-news ‘Make Parameshwara CM’: Congress MLA Sparks Fresh Leadership Buzz In Karnataka Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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