BENGALURU, Dec. 22 -- Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday drew a clear line between the party's central leadership and the simmering power struggle in Karnataka, saying the confusion over leadership exists only at the local level and not within the party high command.

Speaking to reporters, Kharge rejected suggestions that the party leadership in Delhi was responsible for the uncertainty, arguing that local leaders must take responsibility for their internal disagreements. "The high command hasn't created any confusion. It exists at the local level," he said, asking, "How is it right to put the blame on the high command?"

Kharge also issued a caution to party leaders against claiming personal credit for the Congress's electo...