The political atmosphere in Karnataka grew more intense on Monday as a fresh batch of Congress legislators loyal to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar travelled to New Delhi, signalling a deepening power struggle over the chief ministership. According to party insiders, at least six MLAs have already landed in the national capital, with more expected to follow in the coming days as lobbying efforts gather steam.
The developments come amid persistent speculation that the Congress high command may revisit the alleged 2023 “power-sharing formula” between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar — an arrangement that reportedly promised a mid-term leadership change after two and a half years.
With the Congress government completing half of its five-year term on November 20, conversations around leadership transition have resurfaced with full force, triggering visible camps within the ruling party.
Who Has Reached Delhi? Shivakumar’s Camp Grows Stronger
Party sources confirmed that the legislators who arrived in Delhi include:
- H.C. Balakrishna (Magadi)
- K.M. Uday (Maddur)
- Nayana Motamma (Mudigere)
- Iqbal Hussain (Ramanagara)
- Sharath Bachegowda (Hosakote)
- Shivaganga MLA (name awaiting confirmation from party insiders)
These MLAs reportedly plan to meet senior Congress leadership, including AICC general secretaries and possibly the party president, to press the demand for D.K. Shivakumar to be elevated as Chief Minister.
Sources say this is not a spontaneous movement but part of a coordinated strategy by the DCM’s supporters to “remind” the high command of the 2023 agreement and Shivakumar’s contribution to the party’s sweeping victory in the assembly elections.
The 2023 “Formula”: A Promise or a Political Myth?
The Congress leadership has never publicly acknowledged the existence of a formal written power-sharing agreement. However, both camps — Siddaramaiah’s and Shivakumar’s — have referred to it at different moments, adding to the political ambiguity.
According to multiple party insiders:
- Siddaramaiah was allowed to serve as CM for the first half of the term.
- Shivakumar would be elevated to CM during the second half.
But with no official confirmation from the party, this “agreement” remains politically sensitive — and now, increasingly contentious.
Why the Tussle Has Intensified Now
1. Halfway mark reached
The government completed 2.5 years on November 20, triggering renewed expectations of leadership change.
2. Shivakumar’s widening support base
MLAs from Mandya, Ramanagara, Magadi, and Mudigere have increasingly aligned themselves with him.
3. Pressure from Vokkaliga community
Shivakumar enjoys strong backing from the influential Vokkaliga community, which believes he deserves the CM post.
4. Government performance concerns
Some lawmakers say a “change in leadership” could boost public perception and organisational efficiency.
5. Pre-emptive political posturing
Leaders are positioning themselves well before the 2028 elections — and before Lok Sabha poll preparations intensify.
Siddaramaiah Camp Pushes Back
While Shivakumar’s supporters are making noise, Siddaramaiah’s camp maintains that:
- The CM has strong grassroots popularity.
- Government stability must be prioritised over internal politics.
- No formal deal exists regarding leadership rotation.
Several MLAs loyal to Siddaramaiah held internal discussions over the weekend, asserting that any leadership change now could “destabilise governance” and “send a wrong signal to the public.”
The CM himself has avoided direct comment but has subtly conveyed his desire to complete the full term — something he could not do in his previous 2013–2018 tenure.
High Command Maintains Silence
The Congress leadership in Delhi has so far refused to comment publicly. However, party sources say meetings are expected soon between:
- Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President
- Rahul Gandhi, senior leader
- AICC observers for Karnataka
The leadership reportedly wants to avoid any public rift in the state unit, especially as the party prepares for:
- The 2026 BBMP elections
- Coordination for 2029 Lok Sabha polls
- National-level organisational restructuring
What May Happen Next? Possible Scenarios
1. Status quo continues
Siddaramaiah remains CM; Shivakumar continues as DCM and state unit chief.
2. Cabinet reshuffle as compromise
More positions for Shivakumar’s loyalists to pacify demands.
3. Leadership rotation
Shivakumar becomes CM for the second half of the term.
4. Silent extension strategy
High command delays decision citing “governance stability” until next election cycle.
Political Stakes Are High
Karnataka is the only major southern state currently governed by the Congress. Any visible internal conflict could damage the party’s narrative of stability and governance.
Meanwhile, BJP and JD(S) leaders are watching closely, calling the developments a “power struggle that exposes Congress’s internal cracks.”
For now, all eyes are on Delhi, where Shivakumar’s supporters are intensifying efforts, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
