Tension inside the Karnataka Congress continues to rise as the debate over a possible change of Chief Minister reaches Delhi. Around 10 MLAs close to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar have been camping in the national capital, pushing for a leadership change. Both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have denied any such move, but the situation suggests growing unease within the party. A final decision from the Congress high command is expected around December 1, before the Parliament session begins.
The Root of the Conflict
The disagreement stems from a reported power-sharing deal made after the Congress returned to power in May 2023. According to this pact, Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for the first 2.5 years, after which the post would go to Shivakumar.
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As the government approaches the halfway mark, Siddaramaiah’s supporters argue he deserves to complete the full five-year term. They believe he has strengthened his control over the administration to avoid any attempt at removing him. Shivakumar’s camp, meanwhile, insists the 2.5-year rotation agreement must be honoured. Over the past week, his loyalist MLAs have been meeting senior leaders in Delhi, demanding the promised transition.
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Pressure Mounts in Delhi
Around ten MLAs recently met Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, and more Shivakumar supporters reached Delhi on November 24. Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain claimed with confidence that Shivakumar would become CM, calling it a “200 per cent” certainty.
On Tuesday night, Shivakumar held a quiet midnight meeting with PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi at an undisclosed location. Sources say Shivakumar reminded him that a pact was finalised in the presence of five to six senior leaders and that he was promised the CM post after 2.5 years. Satish Jarkiholi, however, is considered loyal to Siddaramaiah and is expected to side with the current Chief Minister unless instructed otherwise by the high command.
Siddaramaiah’s Stand
Siddaramaiah has been trying to ease the tension, saying Congress MLAs are free to visit Delhi and express their opinions. But he has stated clearly that the final decision rests with the high command. He added that both he and Shivakumar would follow whatever the central leadership decides.
Siddaramaiah also dismissed talk of a “November Revolution,” saying such rumours were created by the media. He insisted the Congress has a five-year mandate and that he is focused on fulfilling promises made in the party’s manifesto.
Shivakumar’s Response
Shivakumar has repeatedly said that he has not demanded anything publicly. He maintains that he respects the high command and does not want to embarrass the party. He clarified that he never asked MLAs to go to Delhi and said they likely travelled hoping for ministerial positions, as a cabinet reshuffle is expected.
Shivakumar also said forming factions is “not in his blood” and that he will work with Siddaramaiah. However, he also hinted that leadership decisions rest only with a few senior Congress leaders, signalling that the matter is very much alive behind closed doors.
Rahul Gandhi Reportedly Upset
According to sources, Rahul Gandhi is unhappy with Siddaramaiah for publicly denying the power-sharing deal. Rahul is expected to speak with both leaders soon and has advised them not to escalate tensions. He also sent a short message to Shivakumar asking him to wait for a call.
High Command’s Role
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has made it clear that only the high command will decide whether the state will get a new Chief Minister. He refused to comment further, saying speculation was unnecessary.
BJP Takes Aim
The BJP has used the political unrest to attack the Congress, saying governance in Karnataka has stalled. BJP leader CN Ravi claimed that people in the state want the “entire government removed,” not just a change of CM.
The Congress high command is likely to decide on the issue by December 1. Though nothing is confirmed yet, party insiders say that if Siddaramaiah is asked to step down, DK Shivakumar is the only option being considered for the top post.