The Congress high command's decision to appoint V D Satheesan as Kerala chief minister has triggered fresh speculation in Karnataka, where deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar's supporters believe the tussle over the top post can no longer be postponed indefinitely.
The buzz coincided with Shivakumar's 64th birthday on Friday, as supporters installed posters, banners, and digital billboards across the state, particularly in Bengaluru, all suggesting that he be elevated to the top post. Though Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has publicly stated that Siddaramaiah will continue as chief minister, developments in Kerala offer hope to Shivakumar's supporters ahead of the government completing three years in office on May 20.
Supporters demand elevation
Hidayathulla Kuvenda, an advocate and political commentator, said the Congress high command faces a defining choice. He argued that age commands respect, but the future of Karnataka demands a powerhouse chief minister who can bridge the gap between a rural farm and an IIT campus. Elevating Shivakumar, he said, is an essential step to ensure Congress remains Karnataka's dominant force for the next decade.
Kuvenda described Shivakumar as a battle-tested organiser who protected the party during political crises, while calling Siddaramaiah past his prime. He added that elevating Shivakumar now would give him nearly two years to showcase governance achievements before the next assembly election.
Transition uncertainty
However, both the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps privately acknowledge that if no transition takes place in the coming weeks, reopening the issue closer to elections could become politically difficult. Unlike Kerala, where Congress did not have anti-incumbency to deal with, Karnataka already has a Congress government in office and cannot afford prolonged succession uncertainty.
A Congress functionary said the issue is no longer about personal ambition but organisational clarity. An office bearer noted that Shivakumar's supporters have become more assertive after the government crossed the halfway mark of its term. There is a feeling among many MLAs that political understandings should be honoured, and expectations should not be stretched endlessly.
Siddaramaiah camp's view
But supporters of Siddaramaiah believe the party brass is unlikely to reopen the issue immediately. Political analysts say comparisons between Kerala and Karnataka have limitations. Political analyst Vishwas Shetty said that in Kerala, Congress needed a clear face to energise cadres before polls, whereas in Karnataka, it is in office. Any abrupt decision here will affect administration, caste equations, and factional balance. Shetty added that nothing will change unless Siddaramaiah himself decides to quit.
Political commentator M N Patil said the Congress brass has historically delayed such decisions in Karnataka until absolutely necessary. The high command knows both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are indispensable. One delivers mass politics while the other controls organisational and resource mobilisation networks. Replacing either carries risks, so the ball is now in the hands of Rahul Gandhi.
