Secret Power Pact Revealed in Karnataka Political Drama
In a dramatic development that has intensified Karnataka's political crisis, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed on Tuesday the existence of a confidential understanding regarding leadership transition among senior Congress leaders following the party's landslide victory in the 2023 assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in his home constituency of Kanakapura, located 60km from Bengaluru, Shivakumar made the first direct reference to the power pact that has been the subject of intense speculation. However, he stopped short of revealing specific details, stating firmly: "This is confidential. I don't want to speak publicly on this."
Conflicting Statements Create Political Chaos
While Shivakumar acknowledged the secret understanding, other party leaders presented contradictory narratives. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking from Bengaluru, appealed to the party to end the transition confusion and clarified that the final decision must come from the central leadership.
Adding to the political drama, six-time MLA and the CM's economic advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy completely dismissed any power-sharing agreement. He asserted that Siddaramaiah would complete a full five-year term and questioned the validity of such private agreements, asking: "If agreements are made between themselves over power sharing, is it to be treated like a contract?"
The conflicting statements emerged as Shivakumar traveled to Delhi with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, where he is expected to meet Rahul Gandhi to discuss the escalating Karnataka crisis.
High Command Intervention and Political Maneuvering
The leadership controversy has reached the party's highest levels, with Kharge having held a meeting with Siddaramaiah on November 23. Interestingly, Shivakumar didn't meet the leader during his three-day visit to Bengaluru, explaining: "I had met him in Delhi last week. Is it appropriate to meet him so many times? I don't want to trouble him."
Before leaving Bengaluru, Kharge emphasized that the issue of leadership change should not be debated publicly, stating he was in the city primarily to attend Constitution Day events and review meetings.
Despite the underlying tension, Shivakumar described Siddaramaiah as a "veteran leader" and an "asset to the party", citing his administrative experience and readiness to present the next Budget. He emphasized the need for unity, stating: "We should all work together with the target of 2028 (assembly polls) and target 2029 (Lok Sabha polls)."
Supporters' Activities and Ministerial Aspirations
The political drama extended to supporters' activities, with Shivakumar addressing reports of his followers performing pujas seeking his elevation to the top post. He recalled the solidarity shown during his time in jail under the previous BJP government.
On reports of MLAs traveling to Delhi to lobby for him, Shivakumar clarified that they were aspirants for ministerial berths rather than his supporters. "I do not know about any attempt to make me CM. I did not call or send them," he stated firmly.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy added another perspective in Mandya, noting that while Siddaramaiah has repeatedly stated he will continue as CM, the final decision rests with the party. He clarified that the high command represents "a group of four-five senior leaders, and not one individual."
The ongoing political uncertainty continues to dominate Karnataka's political landscape, with all eyes now on Delhi as key Congress leaders negotiate behind closed doors to resolve the leadership crisis that threatens to destabilize the party's successful Karnataka government.
