Karnataka Power Struggle Intensifies: MLAs from DK Shivakumar Camp Arrive in Delhi as Rumored Leadership Change Deadline Approaches

Karnataka's chief ministerial tensions continue - DK Shivakumar versus Siddaramaiah (File).

New Delhi:

A contingent of Karnataka Congress legislators - including several who have openly supported DK Shivakumar in his ongoing power struggle with Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister position - arrived in Delhi Thursday evening, just before the purported power-sharing 'agreement' between the two leaders reportedly expires.

Agriculture Minister Chaluvarayaswamy and Mandya MLA Ravi Ganiga have reached the capital, accompanied by MLC Dinesh Gooligowda. Channagiri MLA Basavaraj Shivaganga confirmed his plans to travel to Delhi as well. Kunigal MLA Ranganath and Mysuru MLA Harish Gowda are also expected to join the gathering.

The delegation includes Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain who stirred controversy in July by claiming 100 Congress MLAs would support DKS. These statements came at a particularly sensitive moment for the ruling party as it attempted to resolve internal conflicts. Shivakumar, likely under pressure from Congress central leadership, quickly distanced himself from Hussain's remarks.

DKS also clarified to NDTV, "I don't want any MLAs to advocate for me."

Officially, the lawmakers are on official business; NDTV reports they have responsibilities related to the Agriculture Department. However, the fact that the traveling group includes legislators from the politically significant Vokkaliga community - Shivakumar's community - has raised speculation.

Adding to this intrigue is the timing - today, November 20, marks the halfway point of Siddaramaiah's term.

According to the reported 'agreement' - negotiated to resolve the leadership dispute that threatened to undermine the Congress' 2023 electoral victory - Siddaramaiah is expected to step down at this juncture.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (File).

The arrangement supposedly calls for Shivakumar to succeed him for the remainder of the Congress' term.

The Congress has consistently maintained that all is well in Karnataka.

Stability in this southern state is considered vital for the party's reputation, especially after disappointing performances in both Delhi and Bihar elections this year, securing only 19 seats across both states.

Siddaramaiah has repeatedly stated he intends to complete his full five-year term, while DKS has publicly expressed support for his superior, though sometimes with apparent reservations.

Speculation about a 'November revolution', as the potential leadership transition has been labeled, was dismissed by the Chief Minister as media fabrication. He asserted that his position had actually grown 'stronger'.

"Some believed in the superstition that anyone who visits Chamarajnagar loses power... but my power hasn't diminished... it has only strengthened. It is strong today and will remain so. I won't comment on DK Suresh's statements. People voted for us. We will focus on delivering on our promises."

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar (File).

Yet the speculation persists nonetheless.

DK Suresh, DKS' brother, had increased pressure on Siddaramaiah by stating "he is not someone who breaks his word... if fortune favors, my brother will become Chief Minister."

In this context, DKS' recent statement that he might resign as head of the party's state unit has also been interpreted as significant. His retention of the Karnataka Congress President position - despite the 'one person, one post' principle - had been used against Shivakumar's supporters.

The DKS versus Siddaramaiah conflict appeared to have been resolved in June after Congress troubleshooter Randeep Surjewala was dispatched to Bengaluru. Surjewala, who brokered the 2023 peace agreement, clearly stated the party had no intention of changing its Karnataka leadership.

However, DKS' supporters made it equally clear, despite their leader publicly asking them to stand down, that they would continue demanding a change in the state's top leadership.

The June-July episode in the ongoing dispute concluded with apparent cordiality, with both leaders holding hands and high-fiving each other at a Mysuru event. "Our government will endure for five years... solid as a rock," Siddaramaiah declared. DKS smiled but remained silent.

With input from agencies

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