Congress Struggles (Credit: OpenAI)
New Delhi: Internal power struggle continues in Karnataka Congress as the high command hesitates to pick between Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar. According to sources, both leaders have maintained constant pressure using strategic methods. The leadership change was tentatively agreed upon before elections, with Siddaramaiah becoming CM initially and Shivakumar set to take over after 2.5 years. However, now that the timeline is nearing expiry, the decision remains pending. Rahul Gandhi has asked both leaders to continue working until a final call is made.
As soon as the power transfer period drew closer, Shivakumar reminded the party high command of the agreement. In response, Siddaramaiah demanded a cabinet reshuffle to strengthen his position. Sources say both leaders met Rahul Gandhi separately in August, but no decision was taken. Rahul reportedly advised them to focus on governance until leadership confirmation. Consequently, the cabinet reshuffle proposal was put aside to avoid signalling that Siddaramaiah intends to stay in power.
Shivakumar strategically sent groups of legislators to Delhi to push his claim. Some MLAs publicly voiced support for Siddaramaiah's cabinet expansion, while others backed Shivakumar for CM. The state in-charge general secretary warned against public statements on social media. Eventually, legislators returned without meeting the organisation general secretary K C Venugopal. Although no breakthrough occurred, Shivakumar succeeded in delaying the cabinet reshuffle, keeping the power shift debate active.
Congress leadership is cautious due to the political stakes involved ahead of critical elections. Siddaramaiah is considered a mass leader with strong support among the Kuruba community. His public influence is vital for countering BJP's growth in Karnataka. On the other hand, Shivakumar is seen as a highly efficient organiser, loyal to the party and popular for his managerial abilities. The high command fears alienating either leader at this sensitive stage.
Siddaramaiah, now over 80 years old, commands wider legislative support. In contrast, Shivakumar, aged 63, recently suffered a setback when his brother and MP D K Suresh lost the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Analysts believe this weakened his bid for the CM position. Additionally, Siddaramaiah holds stronger numbers among MLAs. Meanwhile, Shivakumar belongs to the Vokkaligga community, but is not recognised as its tallest leader due to competition from the Deve Gowda family background.
Shivakumar continues to face central agency scrutiny, including ongoing ED-related cases. He has previously been imprisoned in connection with one such probe. Party strategists worry that placing him in the CM post may invite additional investigative pressure. Given the high political sensitivity, leadership is evaluating all consequences. The presence of unresolved legal matters contributes to the hesitation over his elevation at this stage.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has indicated that the decision will be taken jointly with Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi is abroad and expected to return by 4 or 5 December, after which further discussions may resume. High command aims to assess political circumstances thoroughly before finalising the leadership call. Leaders in Karnataka are growing restless due to the delay. Analysts believe any decision will depend on electoral strategy rather than internal bargaining alone.
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