DK Shivakumar vs Siddaramaiah power tussle out in open in Karnataka, Congress brass steps in
Karnataka’s Congress government is facing visible internal friction. The clash between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has reached the public stage. What once seemed like internal disagreement has now turned into a loud power struggle.
Congress MLA Iqbal Hussain, a known Shivakumar supporter, claimed that over 100 of the 135 Congress MLAs want a leadership change. These MLAs reportedly favour DK Shivakumar over Siddaramaiah to lead the government.
Shivakumar Eyes the Top Job
DK Shivakumar’s ambition to become Chief Minister isn’t new. He played a major role in the party’s 2023 election win. Many believed he would be made CM after the victory.
However, the Congress high command picked Siddaramaiah. Shivakumar was offered the post of Deputy CM and party state president. His supporters say this setup was meant to be temporary, with a future plan for him to take over.
Now, a year into the government’s term, Shivakumar’s camp wants that change to happen. They argue that he has strong grassroots support and controls the party’s state machinery.
Siddaramaiah Still in Command
Siddaramaiah continues to lead with confidence. His hold over the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) vote bank remains strong. Many see him as the face behind Congress’s 2023 success.
His supporters argue that the government is performing well. Welfare schemes are reaching people, and there’s no need for leadership change. Siddaramaiah recently appeared with Shivakumar in Mysuru to show unity. He said the government would stay intact for five full years.
Congress High Command Steps In
Sensing growing unrest, the Congress high command has acted. AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala visited Karnataka for a three-day tour. Officially, his visit aimed to review the party’s organisation. However, it clearly aimed to assess the power struggle as well.
Surjewala met MLAs, former candidates, and district leaders to gauge the mood. His findings will help the central leadership decide its next steps. For now, they seem keen to maintain stability in the state.
Party insiders say there’s no immediate plan to replace Siddaramaiah. The focus remains on governance and unity.
Caste and Political Equations at Play
This leadership conflict also reflects Karnataka’s caste dynamics. Siddaramaiah enjoys support from OBCs and Dalits. Shivakumar has strong backing from Vokkaligas, especially in southern Karnataka.
Any leadership shift could upset this balance. The Congress doesn’t want to alienate either voter base. That’s why political analysts believe a change, if any, will be carefully timed. A transition closer to late 2025 seems more likely.
What the Future Holds
At this stage, Congress seems set on avoiding any sudden changes. But the idea of a 2.5-year power-sharing deal still lingers. If such a promise was made privately, pressure may rise once that point nears.
The challenge for Congress is clear—balance ambitions, maintain unity, and avoid handing the opposition an opportunity. BJP and JD(S) are closely watching these developments.
Conclusion
The open rivalry between DK Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah has added pressure on the Congress leadership. Although both leaders claim unity, the undercurrents of competition are hard to miss. With the high command now actively involved, all eyes are on how this political drama unfolds.
For Congress, the key will be managing internal expectations while staying focused on governance. Whether a leadership change will happen before 2028 is uncertain—but the conversation around it has definitely begun.
