Congress High Command Intervenes in Karnataka Leadership Dispute
In a significant development in the ongoing power struggle within Karnataka's Congress government, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has extended a breakfast invitation to his deputy, D K Shivakumar, following direct intervention from the party's central leadership. The move comes after both leaders received telephone calls from the Congress high command urging them to resolve their differences without requiring further central intervention.
The political tension had been simmering for over a week since Shivakumar publicly raised the issue of leadership change on November 20, coinciding with the Congress government completing two and a half years in power. With the state legislature session scheduled for December 8, the central leadership has stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Breakfast Meeting Called Amid Growing Tensions
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed the development on Friday evening, stating, "The high command has telephoned him (Shivakumar) and me and suggested that we should have a meeting. As a result I have called him for a breakfast meeting. When he comes for breakfast we will discuss issues."
The CM emphasized his commitment to following the party's directives, adding, "There is no change in my stand. I have said that I will follow the directives of the high command and I will stick to that stand tomorrow also at the meeting. He also said several times that he would abide by the directions of the high command."
When questioned about potential travel to Delhi for further discussions, Siddaramaiah responded that he hasn't been summoned but would go if called.
Shivakumar's Stance and Alleged Power-Sharing Agreement
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar attempted to downplay the situation during his public statements on Friday. "The party workers may be eager, but I am in no hurry. The party will take all the decisions," he stated while attending an event.
However, sources within the party reveal that Shivakumar has been consistently claiming the existence of an unwritten agreement made during the government formation in May 2023. According to this alleged understanding, when the Congress secured 135 out of 224 Assembly seats, there was a commitment to share the chief minister's position for 2.5 years each between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Siddaramaiah has repeatedly denied any such agreement, creating the fundamental disagreement that has now brought the party's internal dynamics into public view.
Complex Political Calculations and Demands
The political maneuvering involves complex community equations and personal ambitions. Siddaramaiah, representing the OBC Kuruba community, enjoys substantial support from Dalits and minorities and is reportedly keen on creating a record by becoming Karnataka's longest-serving chief minister. He needs to continue until January 7 to surpass the seven years and ten months tenure record set by former CM Devaraj Urs.
On the other hand, Shivakumar, belonging to the dominant Vokkaliga community that has traditionally aligned with JD(S), is pushing for clarity on his chief ministerial prospects. Congress sources indicate that Shivakumar wants at least two years as CM, including the opportunity to present the 2026 budget.
The Deputy CM has reportedly set several conditions for maintaining the status quo, including preventing any cabinet reshuffle that Siddaramaiah has been advocating with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. Shivakumar views the proposed reshuffle as an indication of Siddaramaiah's intention to continue beyond 2026.
Other demands from Shivakumar include his continuation as the sole deputy CM and Karnataka Congress president, retention of the Bengaluru development portfolio where he has initiated mega projects worth crores of rupees, and the appointment of his brother as president of the state milk federation.
Broader Political Implications
The power tussle comes at a crucial time for the Congress government in Karnataka. Siddaramaiah remains focused on implementing key party agendas, particularly the caste survey that has been re-initiated by the state's Backward Classes Commission. The survey had faced objections from leaders of dominant communities, including Shivakumar, when first conducted during Siddaramaiah's previous term in 2015.
Despite Shivakumar's open challenge for the top position, political observers note that he lacks sufficient numerical support among the 135 Congress legislators, most of whom hail from Dalit and backward communities and support Siddaramaiah.
The situation has triggered a series of meetings among various factions within the party over the past week, indicating the seriousness of the internal conflict. As both leaders prepare for their breakfast meeting, all eyes will be on whether they can reach a compromise that satisfies their political ambitions while maintaining party unity ahead of crucial legislative sessions and future electoral challenges.
