The political infighting over leadership change in Karnataka shows no signs of abating. A direct and indirect verbal spat continues between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Bengaluru: Karnataka politics appears to be once again embroiled in a deep crisis over leadership change and the 'two-and-a-half-year formula'. The ongoing tug-of-war within the Congress between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is now openly evident. The recent social media posts by both leaders are being interpreted in political circles as indirect attacks on each other.
With the Congress government in Karnataka completing two and a half years, the question is now gaining traction in political corridors: will the Chief Minister be replaced according to the agreed formula, or will Siddaramaiah complete his full term? Although the Congress party has not yet made any official announcement regarding a leadership change, internal rhetoric has further escalated the crisis.
How Did the 'Two-and-a-Half-Year Formula' Become the Root of the Dispute?
It is believed that an unofficial power-sharing agreement was reached between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar during the government formation after the 2023 assembly elections. Under this agreement, Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for two and a half years, after which Shivakumar would be entrusted with the responsibility. However, the party has never publicly acknowledged this formula.
On November 20, the Siddaramaiah government completed two and a half years, after which discussions about a leadership change have intensified once again. This was the moment when D.K. Shivakumar made a post on the social media platform 'X', emphasizing the power of "words" and "promises," which was directly seen as a reminder to the high command.
D.K. Shivakumar's Hint and Political Message
In his post, Shivakumar wrote, "The greatest power in the world is to stand by one's word. Whether it's judges, presidents, or anyone else—including myself—everyone must adhere to their word. The power of a word is the power of the world." Political analysts believe that this statement directly points to the alleged agreement made during government formation. Shivakumar has long been viewed as Siddaramaiah's successor in Karnataka.
Just hours after D.K. Shivakumar's post, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also responded in almost the same vein. He clearly indicated that he is not in the mood to relinquish the Chief Minister's post and that the public has given him a mandate for the full five years. Siddaramaiah wrote, "The mandate of the people of Karnataka is not a momentary event, but a five-year responsibility. A word holds no power until it makes the world better for people."
Referring to his previous tenure (2013–2018), he stated that he had fulfilled 157 out of 165 promises at that time, which is over 95 percent. Mentioning the current tenure, he claimed that more than 243 out of 593 promises have been fulfilled so far, and the remaining promises will also be completed with full commitment.
