Political tug-of-war over the Chief Minister's post has intensified in Karnataka Congress. The dispute over power-sharing and leadership between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is escalating. Both factions are openly issuing public statements, but ultimately, the responsibility rests with the Congress High Command.
Bengaluru: The leadership battle within the Karnataka Congress has intensified. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly urged the party high command to “put a full stop to the confusion,” while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has confirmed a “secret agreement” on power-sharing among “five-six” senior leaders, though he refused to elaborate on it.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has stated that this matter will now only be resolved after discussions with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Let's understand the key aspects of this political battle in 10 points:
- Issue of Secret Agreement: DK Shivakumar admitted that a “secret agreement among five-six senior leaders” was made regarding the Chief Minister's post. However, he refused to make the details public, stating that doing so could harm the party's image.
- Siddaramaiah's Opposition: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that only the central leadership can end this confusion. He appealed to the party high command to “put a full stop” to this dispute.
- High Command's Final Decision: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge clarified that the final decision on this issue will only be taken after consultations with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. He stated that it is “not a matter for public discussion.”
- Previous Agreement: According to Congress insiders, an agreement on power-sharing was reached at Kharge's residence in May 2023. Under this, Siddaramaiah was proposed to be Chief Minister for the first two and a half years, and Shivakumar for the remaining period.
- Heart of the Dispute: Siddaramaiah had earlier stated that he would remain Chief Minister for the full five years. Later, he softened his tone, saying that the high command's decision would be his ultimate guide. Meanwhile, leaders close to Shivakumar emphasize honoring the agreement to maintain Congress's credibility and the loyalty of the organizational leadership.
- Legislative Party's Stance: Siddaramaiah's supporters argue that replacement should not be discussed until formally raised within the legislative party. Meanwhile, Shivakumar called Siddaramaiah a “senior leader and party asset” and supported his future plans.
- Legislators in the Capital: Many legislators supporting Shivakumar have arrived in the capital, Bengaluru. Siddaramaiah said, “Let them go, let's see what opinion they give.” The aim is to further clarify the differences within the party.
- Cabinet Reshuffle Issue: The Deputy Chief Minister wants the leadership issue to be resolved before any cabinet reshuffle, so that there is no inequality in power-sharing.
- Opposition's Reaction: BJP state president BY Vijayendra stated that Karnataka needs stable leadership. He urged the Congress to resolve the leadership crisis before the winter session in Belagavi.
- Future Path: Both factions are openly acknowledging the confusion, but ultimately await the High Command's decision. The Congress's top trio – Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi – will be able to find the final solution to this dispute.
This ongoing tug-of-war for the Chief Minister's post in Karnataka Congress is not just a matter of power-sharing between two senior leaders. It depends on the party's stability across the state, the strength of the legislative party, and the High Command's decision.
