Mallikarjun Kharge indicated on Sunday that the party high command will ultimately decide the matter, leaving him with no comment at this time. “So your standing here is a waste of time”. This statement was given to the press. This statement was made amidst the constant speculation about changing the CM in Karnataka. The Congress president’s reaction comes a day after a meeting with CM Siddaramaiah that lasted more than an hour.
Speculation rife about leadership change
Speculation has once again intensified about a leadership change in Karnataka. Following his meeting with Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that he would abide by the party’s decision regarding his tenure. However, he termed the ongoing discussions about leadership change as speculation.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with Kharge following a visit by MLAs backing Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to Delhi, celebrating two and a half years in office. Shivakumar has denied any knowledge of such a meeting. Moreover, on Sunday, ministers HC Mahadevappa and K Venkatesh, considered close to the Chief Minister, also met Mallikarjun Kharge.
According to media reports, the reason for the conflict is Siddaramaiah’s demand for a cabinet reshuffle. At the same time, Shivakumar’s supporters want clarity on the leadership change before that. Approval of the reshuffle is viewed as a sign that Siddaramaiah may finish his term. This potentially diminishes Shivakumar’s prospects for the top position.
BJP leaders targeted Mallikarjun Kharge
Senior BJP leader and MLA Suresh Kumar, in a post on “X,”. He questioned, “If the Congress party’s national president isn’t the high command, then who is? This is truly a travesty.”
Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, R. Ashoka, said Kharge’s statement reflected his helplessness and his true position in the Congress party. He posted on ‘X’ that the fake Gandhi, who made Kharge the national president only in name, is insulting a senior leader like Mallikarjun Kharge by keeping all the power with themselves.
Mallikarjun Kharge: A Detailed Profile
Age of Mallikarjun Kharge
Mallikarjun Kharge was born on 21 July 1942, which makes him in his early 80s. Despite his age, he is known for his sharp memory, disciplined lifestyle and tireless work ethic. Even today, he attends long political meetings, travels extensively, and actively participates in parliamentary debates. Many people admire him for his consistency and calm nature, which have become trademarks of his public life.
Mallikarjun Kharge Caste
Kharge belongs to a Dalit (Scheduled Caste) community from Karnataka. His background has played a meaningful role in shaping his political journey. Especially because he emerged from a socially disadvantaged group and became one of the tallest leaders in national politics. Therefore, his rise is often highlighted as an example of how dedication, perseverance and leadership can break societal barriers.
Mallikarjun Kharge Education
Mallikarjun Kharge completed his early schooling in Karnataka and later pursued higher education in the fields of arts and law. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and then completed LLB (Bachelor of Laws). This laid the foundation for his early career as a lawyer. His legal background enabled him to understand governance, constitutional matters and policy-making. That eventually supported his growth as a thoughtful and well-informed political leader.
His Political Career and Previous Offices
Kharge’s political career spans more than five decades, making him one of the most experienced leaders in Indian politics.
He started his public life through student activism and labour movements and soon became a respected figure in Karnataka. Over the years, he served multiple times as a Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, winning elections consecutively—a rare achievement in state politics.
Kharge has held several major positions, including:
- Minister in the Karnataka Government, handling portfolios like Home, Transport and Rural Development
- Leader of the Congress Party in the Lok Sabha
- Union Minister for Railways
- Union Minister for Labour and Employment
- Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha
In 2022, he became the President of the Indian National Congress, one of the oldest and largest political parties in India. This role brought him into the national spotlight, symbolising both trust and responsibility.
Throughout his career, Kharge has been known for his disciplined working style, deep understanding of legislative processes and a reputation for being a “clean” and straightforward politician.
Mallikarjun Kharge’s Daughter and Son
Mallikarjun Kharge has children who have also carved their own paths.
His Son
His son, Priyank Kharge, is an active political leader in Karnataka and has served as a minister in the state government. Priyank is seen as a dynamic and modern face of the Congress party in the state. With a background in technology and business, he brings a contemporary perspective to governance. His father’s legacy and his own style of leadership often make him a prominent figure in state-level discussions.
Mallikarjun Kharge Daughter
One daughter of Mallikarjun Kharge is Priyadarshini, and another is Jayashree. Both are doctors by profession. Kharge’s daughters has maintained a more private life compared to their brother. They stays away from active politics and is known for keeping a low public profile. While they are not involved in political affairs, they are described as supportive of the family’s long-standing public commitments. Their work and personal life remain largely outside the media spotlight, reflecting their privacy preference.