The ongoing leadership tussle in the Karnataka Congress has intensified, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp preparing a strategic response amid speculation that the party high command may promote Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah Camp on Standby
According to sources, Siddaramaiah’s supporters are on high alert and ready to travel to Delhi the moment there is even the “slightest hint” from party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, or Rahul Gandhi that Shivakumar may be elevated.
Siddaramaiah, who recently acknowledged “confusion” within the party and urged leaders to “put a full stop” to the uncertainty, is currently in wait-and-watch mode.
Alternative CM Choices Prepared
If the Congress top brass decides to replace Siddaramaiah, his faction is expected to present a list of alternative candidates, signalling the deep divide between the two leaders.
One of the prominent names under consideration is Home Minister G Parameshwara, a strong Dalit leader and Siddaramaiah loyalist, who recently said:
“I’ve always been in the race (to be Chief Minister).”
Strategy Finalized in Closed-Door Meeting
The blueprint for the counter-strategy was prepared during a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a key Siddaramaiah supporter.
He stated that the Congress leadership in Delhi must resolve the matter soon.
Jarkiholi also met Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, though neither side revealed details of their discussion.
High Command Moves Into Action
Congress president Kharge and the Gandhis are expected to meet shortly to deliberate on the Karnataka leadership dispute.
According to party insiders:
“Sonia, Rahul, and I will fix it…” Kharge told reporters.
The Congress plans to summon both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to Delhi after internal discussions are complete.
DK Shivakumar’s Calculated Silence
While some of his supporters are pushing aggressively for a leadership change, DK Shivakumar has largely maintained a calm and political correct stance.
He has publicly supported Siddaramaiah but has also issued subtle reminders about “honouring promises” — seen as a pointed message toward his rival.
The rift between the two began in 2023 after the Congress won a decisive mandate. Though Shivakumar played a key role in securing the victory, the party chose Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.
To appease Shivakumar, the party bent its “one man, one post” rule, allowing him to serve simultaneously as Deputy CM and state Congress president.
There were also reports of an internal agreement suggesting that Siddaramaiah would step down halfway through his five-year term.
That midway point passed last week, prompting renewed pressure from Shivakumar’s camp for a leadership transition.
Crisis Deepens as Power Struggle Continues
As internal tensions escalate, all eyes are on the Congress high command to see whether Karnataka will witness a major leadership shift — or whether Siddaramaiah will continue in the top job with renewed backing.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
