The internal power struggle within the Karnataka Congress is reaching its decisive moment, with the party's high command expected to deliver a final verdict on the leadership question as early as Saturday. This long-simmering tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has now moved from closed-door negotiations to a very public and intense debate.
High Command Steps In For Final Decision
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has confirmed that a crucial meeting will take place this weekend involving the top leadership. "The high command Rahul ji, Sonia ji and I will together take a decision to resolve this issue," Kharge stated. According to party insiders, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be summoned to Delhi simultaneously to settle the succession question and end weeks of political speculation that has dominated Karnataka's political landscape.
The AICC leadership is pushing for a resolution before two critical events: Parliament convenes on December 1 and the state assembly session begins a week later. The message to both factions has been clear - maintain discipline, avoid public statements, and await the final decision. Signals that the window for bargaining is closing include Priyank Kharge's discreet Delhi visit and instructions asking MLAs camping in the capital to return to Karnataka.
Shivakumar Camp Demands Honor of "Understanding"
Supporters of Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have intensified their campaign, arguing that a leadership change is overdue according to an "understanding" reached during the 2023 assembly elections when Congress returned to power with 140 seats. Several MLAs backing Shivakumar have traveled to Delhi to press his case for chief ministership, with ministers in his camp insisting that the promise of rotational leadership cannot be abandoned midway.
After a late-night meeting with minister Satish Jarkiholi, one of Shivakumar's aides insisted that the deputy chief minister only sought support to ensure the "unwritten pact" is honored. While Shivakumar has refused to openly confirm the deal's existence, he hasn't denied it either. When questioned about a potential transition, he maintained: "There are no personal issues here. The party decides everything. The CM post or high office is unimportant. What is important is working together with everyone and bringing the party back to the helm."
Shivakumar loyalists point to their leader's organizational strength and perceived role in delivering the 2023 victory as giving him a rightful claim to the top position.
Siddaramaiah Stakes Claim For Full Term
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remains firm in his position, publicly rejecting speculation that he might voluntarily vacate the position. Speaking in Delhi, he made his stance unequivocally clear: "I will be chief minister for a full five-year term." The chief minister has urged the high command to put an end to what he described as unnecessary speculation and recurrent political noise that distracts from governance.
Siddaramaiah has repeatedly emphasized that while legislators are free to express opinions, ultimate decision-making authority rests with the high command. "Let them (legislators) go, MLAs have freedom. Let's see what opinion they give. Ultimately, the high command has to make the decision. We will abide by what the high command says," he stated. Regarding demands for a cabinet reshuffle emerging simultaneously with the leadership debate, he remained non-committal, saying it would happen when the high command directs.
Supporters of Siddaramaiah argue that any hurried transition risks destabilizing governance, diluting the AHINDA social coalition, and weakening Congress ahead of the crucial 2028 election cycle.
External Pressures and Political Fallout
The leadership crisis has attracted attention beyond party lines, with significant external pressure building on the Congress leadership. Adichunchanagiri Mutt seer Nirmalanandanatha Swami publicly stated that the Vokkaliga community had supported Congress in the 2023 election with the expectation that DK Shivakumar would become chief minister. The seer emphasized that Congress must consider both Shivakumar's contribution and community aspirations when deciding the leadership question.
The opposition BJP has seized the opportunity to mount fresh political pressure, arguing that governance has stalled due to the ongoing power struggle. BJP state president BY Vijayendra demanded that the government either bring clarity to the chief ministership or step aside and seek a fresh mandate. "Let them postpone the session or if they are unable to handle the situation, resign and declare the election," he told reporters in Bengaluru.
The BJP accused Congress of neglecting critical issues, particularly farmers who have been protesting for nearly a month over compensation demands. Vijayendra mocked the situation by suggesting the upcoming legislature session be shifted to Delhi since, as he claimed, the entire cabinet seems to be camping there.
Three Scenarios For Karnataka's Political Future
As the decision window narrows, Congress leadership faces three realistic options for resolving the crisis. The first scenario involves maintaining status quo with Siddaramaiah completing his full term, which would signal stability and protect AHINDA influence, possibly with a cabinet reshuffle later to placate Shivakumar's supporters.
The second option involves implementing a mid-term power rotation, naming Shivakumar as chief minister. His backers see this as honoring commitments and preventing factional drift, though replacing a sitting CM at midpoint could cause internal rupture if not managed carefully.
The third possibility is a hybrid compromise involving a phased transition with a publicly announced future date. This could temporarily satisfy both camps, provided the timeline appears credible and binding. While being the most politically pragmatic formula, it only works if both factions stand down simultaneously.
With all eyes on Delhi, the Congress top command's decision will not only determine who leads Karnataka but also shape how Congress governs, fights the 2028 election, and retains its strongest southern bastion. The answer to Karnataka's prolonged political puzzle now rests with three people - Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge.
