Siddaramaiah vs. DK Shivakumar: Congress’ Karnataka Power Battle Intensifies

Karnataka’s Congress government has been thrust back into the spotlight, with internal power equations heating up as loyalists of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepare for a full-blown political push to retain his position. The tension comes amid renewed chatter over Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s long-standing claim to the top post — a rivalry simmering since the party’s decisive 2023 election victory.

Siddaramaiah Camp in “Alert Mode”

Sources told Pudvi Times that Siddaramaiah’s supporters are ready to rush to Delhi at the slightest indication from party chief Mallikarjun Kharge or senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi that DK Shivakumar may be elevated to Chief Minister.

Siddaramaiah, who recently admitted there was “confusion” within the party, has reportedly urged the Congress high command to “put a full stop” to the uncertainty. His camp fears that the leadership may be leaning toward honouring what DKS loyalists claim was a “mid-term CM rotation agreement”.

Alternative CM Names in the Wings

In what appears to be a strategic power move, Siddaramaiah’s aides have prepared a list of alternative candidates should the high command insist on replacing him. One prominent name is Home Minister G Parameshwara, a seasoned Dalit leader and strong Siddaramaiah ally, who publicly stated, “I’ve always been in the race to be Chief Minister.”

This contingency plan was reportedly hammered out at a meeting led by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, another staunch supporter. He told media that Congress’ central leadership must “settle the issue without delay”.

A Rivalry Rooted in 2023

The Siddaramaiah–DK Shivakumar feud has been an open secret since the Congress swept Karnataka in 2023. While Siddaramaiah was chosen as Chief Minister, Shivakumar — who played a critical role in the party’s victory — was appointed Deputy Chief Minister and retained as Karnataka Congress president by bending the party’s “one man, one post” rule.

Adding to the intrigue, DKS had remarked cryptically last year about a “secret deal between five or six of us” hinting at a possible mid-term power transfer.

That supposed halfway mark passed last week, and DKS supporters have been re-energised. Shivakumar himself added fuel to the fire by hinting that he may step down as state Congress chief — widely interpreted as signalling his desire for the CM post.

What Happens Next?

With both factions preparing for a potential showdown, Congress’ central leadership finds itself navigating a delicate political balance. Replacing Siddaramaiah could alienate a large section of the party’s influential AHINDA voter base, while failing to promote DK Shivakumar risks upsetting a powerful organisational force whose backing was crucial in 2023.

For now, Karnataka waits — as Delhi decides.