Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Friday strongly cautioned Congress leaders against fuelling speculation over the state’s leadership, urging them to immediately put an end to public commentary on the issue and refocus on governance and development.

Expressing clear displeasure over the continuing internal chatter, Parameshwara said the ruling party’s energy was being diverted unnecessarily at a time when public expectations from the government were high.

He underlined that decisions related to leadership rest solely with the party’s top leadership and would be taken at an appropriate time. “I will also speak to the high command to ensure this issue is brought to a close,” he said.

Referring to a recent directive from AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Parameshwara noted that the party chief had already issued a firm warning. “Kharge has gone to the extent of saying everyone should keep their mouth shut. He cannot be stricter than that. Despite this, leaders and legislators are still commenting. This is not appropriate and must stop,” he said.

Speaking to reporters, the Home Minister stressed that the Congress government should remain focused on administration. “The expectations of the people are very different. Each one of us making public statements on leadership issues is not right. Our priority must be governance and development,” he said.

Parameshwara added that the high command was closely watching developments. “Enough is enough. People are watching us. Their expectations are not about internal politics but about performance,” he said, reiterating that the party leadership knew when and how to act.

He also sought to downplay the situation, saying such internal challenges were not new to the Congress. “The high command has handled similar situations in the past, including in Karnataka. We must show patience,” he added.

The latest round of tension was triggered after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah asserted that his father would complete his full five-year term.

At the same time, supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have repeatedly claimed that he would take over as chief minister, citing backing from a significant number of MLAs.

The leadership tussle within the ruling Indian National Congress has intensified after the government crossed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025. Speculation has largely centred on an alleged power-sharing understanding between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar at the time of government formation in 2023.