Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge has issued a sharp rebuttal to recent comments within the party that suggested the Congress cannot exist in the state without former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Kharge emphasized the indispensable role of the party organization itself, distancing the institution from any single individual.
Kharge's Veiled Rebuke to Internal Remarks
Without directly naming the person who made the controversial statement, Priyank Kharge expressed strong disapproval. The remarks, attributed to senior party leader and MLC B.L. Shankar, also known as Rajanna, claimed that "there is no Congress without Siddaramaiah (Siddu)." Kharge addressed this sentiment head-on, highlighting the collective machinery of the Congress party as the true force behind electoral success.
He articulated a clear timeline of a candidate's dependence on the party. "You need Congress for the ‘B’ form, you need Congress’ leadership during the election campaign and you want Congress’ ideology," Kharge stated. The 'B' form is the official party ticket document issued by the Election Commission, symbolizing the party's endorsement.
The Core Argument: Party Over Personality
Kharge's central argument focused on what he perceives as a contradiction. He pointed out that while candidates rely entirely on the party's brand, leadership, and ideology to win elections, making statements that elevate an individual above the party after achieving victory is incorrect.
"But after winning and coming to power, saying such things is wrong," he asserted. This comment is seen as a firm reminder that the party's structure and collective leadership are paramount, and no single leader, regardless of stature, is bigger than the institution. The statement, made on January 7, 2026, has stirred discussions about internal dynamics within the Karnataka Congress unit.
Implications for Karnataka Congress Unity
This public admonishment brings to the fore the ongoing and delicate balance of power within the state's ruling party. While Siddaramaiah remains a towering mass leader, Kharge's comments reinforce the official party line that discourages the creation of a personality cult.
The episode underscores two key points:
- The Congress high command's likely preference for a unified party image over factions aligned with specific leaders.
- The efforts by second-generation leaders like Priyank Kharge to assert the importance of the party's institutional framework and ideological foundation.
This is not merely a war of words but a significant moment that could influence the party's strategy and internal cohesion as it prepares for future electoral battles in Karnataka. The emphasis remains on projecting the Congress as a cohesive unit rather than a platform dependent on any one individual's appeal.
