The political drama unfolding in Karnataka has reached a critical juncture as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge officially acknowledged the ongoing power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar for the state's top post.
Kharge's 'Medicine' for Political Ailment
In his first public comments on the matter, Kharge addressed the internal conflict within the party, stating that the Congress high command would administer "medicine" when required to resolve the leadership issue. "People in the high command — Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and I — will sit together and deliberate on this," Kharge revealed, indicating that top-level discussions are imminent.
The tension escalated significantly after the Siddaramaiah-led government completed its halfway mark on November 20, with reports emerging that MLAs and MLCs from Shivakumar's faction had established camp in Delhi to pressure the party leadership for a leadership change.
Secret Deal and Changing Narratives
Adding fuel to the political fire, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dropped a bombshell by claiming that a "secret deal" had been struck among five-six leaders shortly after Congress secured a landslide victory in the 2023 assembly elections. While Shivakumar confirmed the existence of this confidential understanding, he refused to disclose specific details, stating, "This is confidential. I don't want to speak publicly on this."
However, in a surprising turn of events, Shivakumar changed his stance the following day, asserting that the Congress party remains united and focused on the 2028 assembly elections and 2029 Lok Sabha polls. "There are no groups in the party; there is only one group, that is the Congress. Our group has 140 MLAs," the deputy CM declared.
Siddaramaiah Pushes for Swift Resolution
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested the Congress high command to make an early decision regarding the leadership question. Jarkiholi, who holds the public works portfolio, plans to seek an appointment with Congress president Kharge to discuss the matter personally.
"When the CM says it, then seniors in the party should take note of it," Jarkiholi emphasized, while clarifying that no internal discussions have occurred among MLAs about a potential leadership shift at present.
Kharge Emerges as Surprise Contender
In an unexpected development, sections of Congress leaders have begun pitching Mallikarjun Kharge's name for the chief minister position. Minister Shivananda Patil described Kharge as the "most eligible person" for the role, while State Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that everyone would accept Kharge as chief minister if the party high command decides.
The possibility of a Dalit chief minister has long been debated within Congress circles. According to PTI sources, Kharge has missed becoming chief minister on three previous occasions — in 1999 to S M Krishna, in 2004 to Dharam Singh, and in 2013 to Siddaramaiah.
However, Kharge's son Priyank dismissed these speculations as "irrelevant," noting that his father is frequently discussed as a potential CM during state elections and as a PM candidate during parliamentary elections.
Rahul Gandhi's Message Delivered
Adding another layer to the complex political scenario, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge held discussions with senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi concerning the leadership issue. Reports indicate that Priyank has conveyed Rahul Gandhi's message to both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, and both leaders are likely to be summoned to New Delhi soon for resolution talks.
As the political standoff continues, all eyes remain on the Congress high command's next move, which could determine the future course of Karnataka's government and the party's prospects in upcoming elections.
