Bengaluru / New Delhi — In the midst of mounting speculation over a leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has indicated he will visit Delhi — a move being seen as a potential turning point in the internal power tussle within the state’s Congress unit.
🔎 What’s Going On
- The tension stems from a purported “power-sharing” understanding from 2023, under which Shivakumar was expected to take over as Chief Minister halfway through the five-year term. That date (November 20, 2025) has now passed — rekindling demands for a change.
- Several MLAs loyal to Shivakumar have already flown to Delhi to press their demand before the party’s high command.
- However, when asked, Shivakumar claimed he was “not in a hurry” and insisted that any decision should come from the Congress central leadership.
- In a statement, he said: “The party will make the decision. I don’t want anything.” He also clarified that his Delhi visit is meant to raise Karnataka’s issues ahead of the upcoming Parliament session — not necessarily to press for the CM chair.
🍽️ What’s with the “Breakfast Meeting”?
In a surprise move, the current Chief Minister Siddaramaiah invited Shivakumar for a “breakfast meeting” following a directive from the Congress high command. The party wants both leaders to talk things out before tensions escalate further.
Siddaramaiah emphasized his readiness to “follow what the high command says,” adding that the meeting should help calm the situation.
📈 Why It Matters
- The state government has crossed the midway mark of its term, and the call for power-sharing has reignited old promises. If Shivakumar is made CM, it could satisfy his supporters and avert factional strife.
- On the other hand, a public assertion from Shivakumar might be seen as a challenge to Siddaramaiah — yet his recent statements reflect caution, suggesting he may be waiting for a formal call from the high command.
- The involvement of multiple MLAs travelling to Delhi signals significant organizational pressure — indicating this isn’t just a one-man issue but a broader demand from within the Karnataka Congress.
🚨 Likely Scenarios Ahead
- High Command Intervention & Decision — The party’s central leadership may take a call: either favouring status quo (Siddaramaiah to continue) or agreeing to the power-sharing pact.
- Compromise via Cabinet Reshuffle — To placate both camps, a reshuffle without changing CM might be offered.
- Prolonged Uncertainty, Internal Strain — If no decision comes soon, internal rifts may deepen, affecting governance in Karnataka.
