Bengaluru: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said the party’s top leadership will hold a collective discussion to resolve the Karnataka leadership row, as speculation intensifies over a possible change of guard midway through the government’s five-year term.

“I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion with all of these. There is a team. I am not alone. The entire high command team will discuss and make a decision...” Kharge said, asserting that any decision would be taken only after consultations within the party.

His remarks come at a time when the ruling Congress is grappling with internal churn, amid talk of a “power-sharing” understanding between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Siddaramaiah on Tuesday dismissed speculation surrounding the CM post, calling it an “unnecessary debate”, and said recent discussions within the party were related to a cabinet reshuffle. He reiterated that the final decision rests with the party’s central leadership, especially since two of the sanctioned 34 ministerial positions remain vacant.

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress, rejecting rumours about his resignation as KPCC president. He is expected to meet Sonia Gandhi on November 29 to discuss ongoing issues.

‘Dissolve the assembly and face elections’: KN Rajanna

Adding to the political heat, senior Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna said the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) alone should decide the chief minister — even suggesting that the Assembly be dissolved to seek a fresh mandate.

“Let's dissolve (the Assembly) and face the elections. Then let's work together under the leadership of DK Shivakumar and come with a majority. Then let him serve as the CM for 5 years. Wasn't it the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) that elected Siddaramaiah? Now the decision should be made by the CLP,” Rajanna said.

However, Rajanna also backed Siddaramaiah and floated the name of Home Minister G Parameshwara as an alternative.