Karnataka Power Struggle: Kharge Demands Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Honor Leadership Sharing Deal

New Delhi: The ongoing power struggle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appears to be approaching resolution following Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's firm intervention on Monday evening. According to sources close to the party, Kharge has insisted that both leaders honor their original power-sharing agreement made two years ago when Congress won the 2023 election.

Kharge reportedly emphasized the importance of upholding the arrangement, stating, "that word was given in my presence... and it should be honored. Otherwise, I have no credibility in my own state." This marks Kharge's second attempt to expedite resolution on this matter, having previously called for settlement before Parliament's winter session commenced.

The Congress high command, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, has committed to resolving the issue. As part of these efforts, Shivakumar announced on social media: "Me and the CM continue to work together as a team. I have invited the Hon'ble CM for breakfast tomorrow to discuss and strengthen our collective efforts to deliver on our promises to Karnataka."

This upcoming breakfast meeting at Shivakumar's residence represents the second such "power breakfast" between the two leaders. Sources indicate that Shivakumar will subsequently be summoned to Delhi within two weeks to meet with Congress leadership and receive assurances about his eventual elevation to Chief Minister. However, reports suggest Rahul Gandhi remains unconvinced about the wisdom of a mid-term leadership change.

The first power breakfast between the rivals occurred at Siddaramaiah's residence last Saturday. While carefully choreographed photographs showed the leaders smiling over traditional Kannada breakfast items including upma, idli, and kesari bath, sources revealed significant tension behind the scenes.

According to insiders, Siddaramaiah claimed no recollection of any power-sharing arrangement, while Shivakumar firmly maintained the existence of such an agreement. The Chief Minister reportedly offered a compromise suggesting Shivakumar could lead the party in the 2028 election, but this proposal wasn't accepted by the Deputy Chief Minister.

The political reality remains complex, with Siddaramaiah enjoying support from over 100 MLAs and leadership status within the influential Ahinda community. Shivakumar's claim to the top position rests primarily on his instrumental role in the 2023 election victory and backing from the powerful Vokkaliga caste.

While Shivakumar appears willing to wait, his camp has indicated expectations for transition possibly by April 2026. However, the Chief Minister's supporters remain resistant to this timeline, with potential attempts to delay the transition beyond 2026 anticipated as the power struggle continues within one of the few states where Congress governs independently.