The leadership tussle within Karnataka’s Congress government has escalated into a full-blown political contest, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at its center. The simmering rivalry surfaced publicly after Shivakumar confirmed the existence of a “secret deal” involving several senior leaders on power-sharing, though he declined to reveal details to avoid weakening the party. Siddaramaiah, meanwhile, has urged the Congress high command to “put a full stop to the confusion,” stressing that only the central leadership can resolve the matter.
High Command Steps In
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has intervened, asserting that any decision on the chief ministership will follow consultations with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. By placing the matter firmly under the high command’s control, Kharge has signaled that internal discipline and party hierarchy—not public debate—will dictate the resolution. This move is also intended to prevent factional tensions from spiralling into open rebellion.
Origins of the Conflict: The 2023 Power-Sharing Formula
The power struggle traces back to a reported May 2023 agreement, allegedly brokered at Kharge’s residence. Under this understanding, Siddaramaiah was to serve as chief minister for 2.5 years, with Shivakumar to take over for the remaining half of the five-year term. While Shivakumar’s supporters insist the deal must be honored to preserve trust and unity, Siddaramaiah has repeatedly expressed his desire to complete the full term. Only recently, after meetings with Kharge, has Siddaramaiah softened his public stance—pivoting to a message that the final decision rests entirely with the high command.
Factional Undercurrents and Political Stakes
The tussle reflects long-standing divides within Karnataka’s Congress unit, particularly between Siddaramaiah’s AHINDA-driven base and Shivakumar’s organisationally rooted camp. Shivakumar’s supporters argue that reneging on the agreement would damage the Congress’s credibility and demoralize loyalists who expect consistency in leadership commitments. Yet, they maintain that Shivakumar does not seek confrontation—only clarity and a roadmap for a smooth transition should the high command mandate one.
Beyond internal party dynamics, the dispute is beginning to cast a shadow over governance in Karnataka. Political analysts warn that prolonged ambiguity distracts from policy priorities and risks eroding administrative focus. Given Congress’s emphatic victory in 2023 after years in opposition, any internal discord threatens to weaken its political position ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
A Test of Leadership and Unity
The Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar rift has become a defining leadership challenge for the Karnataka Congress. Rooted in a claimed power-sharing pact and fueled by factional loyalties, the conflict now hinges on the party’s top brass—Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge. Their decision will determine whether the Congress can quell internal uncertainties, reinforce unity, and sustain stable governance in one of its most crucial states.
(With agency inputs)
