Amid growing speculation about leadership changes in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar finally broke his silence on Thursday regarding the intensifying power struggle within the state's ruling Congress party. The political drama unfolds as the Siddaramaiah-led government completes two and a half years in power, reaching the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
Shivakumar's Calculated Response
When questioned about the ongoing tussle for the chief minister's position, Shivakumar maintained a diplomatic stance, telling ANI, "There is nothing there. I don't want to comment on it. Whatever the party says, we will work together." His carefully measured words came against the backdrop of an alleged "power-sharing" agreement made in 2023 between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The deputy CM reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress party and dismissed rumors about his resignation as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. Sources indicate that Shivakumar has requested a meeting with party leader Sonia Gandhi on November 29 to discuss the current political situation.
Family Enters the Fray
Adding another dimension to the controversy, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah came to his father's defense. Speaking to PTI, Yathindra asserted that the chief minister is running a good administration and enjoys the support of MLAs.
"As a party worker and MLC, I don't see a situation for CM change because there is no complaint against the chief minister, nor is he involved in any scam," Yathindra told reporters. He emphasized that the Congress high command would ultimately decide on any leadership change, stating that "whatever the high command decides is final."
Community Groups Weigh In
The political drama has drawn reactions from various community organizations, indicating the broader implications of the leadership dispute. The Karnataka State Federation of Backwards Class Communities (KSFBCC) issued a stern warning to the Congress party.
KSFBCC president K M Ramachandrappa revealed that AHINDA communities are "deeply distressed" by the ongoing developments. The organization cautioned that any move to remove Siddaramaiah could have serious consequences for the party's standing among minority, backward class, and Dalit communities.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha president L. Srinivas suggested during a press conference that the Congress high command should consider giving a "coolie" (token of reward) to Deputy CM Shivakumar for his hard work in bringing the party to power.
National and Opposition Reactions
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi commented on the situation, noting that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have deferred to the party high command's decision. "Mallikarjun Kharge has also said the same... Whatever the decision may be, the responsibility is to run the government," she stated.
Chaturvedi contrasted the Congress's approach with the BJP's strategy, saying "at least there is a democratic process where discussions are happening" in the Congress, unlike the BJP's tendency to change entire cabinets overnight.
The BJP, however, launched a sharp attack on the Congress. BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud alleged that the internal conflict represents a "tussle of power and paisa" that is negatively impacting Karnataka's economy. The former MP made sensational claims that Congress national leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are pitting Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar against each other to extract more money.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has previously dismissed the debate over his position as "unnecessary debate," attributing recent discussions within the party to being about a cabinet reshuffle rather than leadership change. He confirmed that two of Karnataka's 34 ministerial positions remain vacant and will be filled during the reshuffle process, with the senior party leadership having the final say.
As the political maneuvering continues, all eyes remain on the Congress high command's next move, which could determine the stability of the Karnataka government and the party's future in the state.
