The Congress high command has escalated efforts to resolve Karnataka's simmering leadership crisis by summoning Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar to New Delhi for crucial negotiations. This development comes amid growing tensions within the state's ruling party over an alleged power-sharing agreement made in 2023.
The 2023 Understanding That Sparked The Crisis
At the heart of the current dispute lies a verbal understanding reportedly reached soon after the Congress party's victory in the 2023 assembly elections. According to multiple senior Congress functionaries familiar with the developments, the arrangement involved Siddaramaiah serving as chief minister for the first two-and-a-half years of the term, with Shivakumar taking over for the remaining period.
Although never officially acknowledged by the party leadership, this alleged pact has resurfaced as internal tensions mounted following Shivakumar's recent disclosure that there was an understanding involving five to six top leaders. A senior functionary close to the developments confirmed that everyone in the core committee knew about the discussed power-sharing formula, though whether it was formalized remains unclear.
Growing Pressure and Cryptic Signals
Political analyst Vishwas Shetty noted that Shivakumar has become increasingly vocal in reminding the leadership about the alleged commitment. The deputy chief minister's recent cryptic social media posts emphasizing the importance of keeping one's word have gained significant traction within the party rank and file.
Shivakumar is sending calibrated signals to the high command, seeking acknowledgment that something was promised to him, according to Shetty. Once such messages enter public discourse, it becomes challenging for the leadership to ignore them completely.
Minister Priyank Kharge recently added to the speculation by stating that while everyone knew about discussions among top leaders, nobody knows exactly what transpired during those conversations.
Differing Interpretations and Credibility Concerns
The lack of clarity over any formal agreement has created an opaque situation where each camp interprets the 2023 discussions based on political convenience. A functionary from the Siddaramaiah camp maintains that no binding arrangement existed, pointing out that there was no written pact or official declaration.
Leadership choices were left to the high command then, and they remain so now, the functionary insisted.
However, those sympathetic to Shivakumar argue the issue extends beyond personal ambition to the party's credibility. Another senior Congress office-bearer emphasized that if the party gives its word, it must stand by it. Failure to honor commitments could make it harder to manage the organization in future elections.
High Command's Delicate Balancing Act
With the party attempting to stabilize its Karnataka unit before the next election cycle begins, the high command's handling of the crisis is being closely watched. A leader from Delhi familiar with internal discussions revealed that the objective is to cool tempers and find a politically sustainable arrangement.
The leadership does not want an open confrontation but recognizes that ignoring Shivakumar is no longer an option. The deputy chief minister has effectively ensured that the high command must respond to the brewing crisis.
As both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar prepare to present their cases in Delhi, the unresolved question of whether a promise was indeed made—and whether it will be honored—hangs heavily over the negotiations that could determine Karnataka's political future.
