Congress High Command Declines Meeting With Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Ahead of Delhi Visit

In a development hinting at unease within the Congress ranks, the party’s high command has reportedly denied a meeting request from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ahead of his scheduled visit to Delhi on November 15, according to party sources.

Siddaramaiah, who had sought an audience with senior Congress leaders during his trip, was informed that no meeting would be granted at this stage, with the high command reportedly conveying that there was “no need” for an interaction at present.

As a result, the Chief Minister is now expected to attend only a book release function in the national capital before returning to Bengaluru the same day.

High Command’s Directive to Karnataka Leaders

Sources also indicate that the directive extends beyond Siddaramaiah. The party leadership has instructed all Karnataka leaders not to seek appointments with central figures in Delhi “for now,” reflecting a decision to pause state-level lobbying during this phase.

The move comes as the Congress government in Karnataka nears its two-and-a-half-year mark, fuelling speculation of potential internal changes or what some insiders have dubbed a “November Revolution” within the state unit.

Siddaramaiah Projects Confidence

Despite the apparent snub, Siddaramaiah maintained a confident tone while addressing a public event in Vijayanagar district, asserting his government’s stability.

“For the next two and a half years too, our party will remain in power. I am confident that even in the next elections, you will bless the Congress party. Will you not?” he told the crowd.

His remarks were seen as an attempt to reinforce leadership strength amid rumours of factional rifts with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Power Play in Delhi

Meanwhile, MLA Raghavendra Hitnal, a known Siddaramaiah loyalist, has reportedly organized a dinner in Delhi for ministers and MLAs aligned with the Chief Minister. The event, to be hosted at the residence of his brother and Koppal MP Rajashekar Hitnal, is being perceived as a show of strength within the party.

In contrast, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar is already in Delhi, marking his second visit in a week, primarily over the “vote chori” (vote theft) issue that has caused political turbulence in the state.

Political Implications

The Congress leadership’s refusal to meet Siddaramaiah comes at a delicate time, as Karnataka remains a key state for the party ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. While insiders dismiss talk of leadership change, the episode underlines growing tensions between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps, which have resurfaced periodically since the formation of the coalition government.