On May 1, 2026, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed the media in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, to clarify his earlier statements about a potential leadership change in the state. He stated that no decision has been reached regarding the Chief Minister's position and urged caution against speculation and misreporting of his comments. Kharge emphasized that discussions about any leadership change would be conducted collectively by the party leadership at the appropriate time. He noted that without a fixed date for such discussions, it is premature to speculate on whether a change will occur. This statement comes amid ongoing discussions within the Congress party about its leadership dynamics in Karnataka.