Congress Intervenes in Karnataka Leadership Crisis: Siddaramaiah-DK Shivakumar Power Struggle Intensifies

New Delhi:

The Congress party has taken decisive action Friday to address the ongoing power struggle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his Deputy DK Shivakumar. This latest chapter in their leadership tug-of-war has prompted swift intervention from the party's central command.

Congress troubleshooter Randeep Surjewala, who has previously mediated peace between the two leaders on two occasions, pointed fingers at the opposition. He accused the "defeated and faction-ridden" BJP state unit, working alongside "sections of the media," of orchestrating a malicious campaign designed to undermine the Congress government in Karnataka.

"Their objective is to diminish the remarkable achievements of the Congress government, which has established itself as an exceptional model of inclusive development and distributive justice," Surjewala stated. He issued a stern warning to lawmakers supporting DKS – some of whom arrived in Delhi Thursday night – against making "needless statements."

"The Congress has firmly cautioned them against making public statements or succumbing to the agenda of vested interests," he declared in a post on X. However, his subsequent comment raised questions as it appeared to provide the party with flexibility; he noted that the high command had 'taken note' of party leaders' opinions.

Screenshot of X post by Randeep Surjewala on the Karnataka Chief Minister row.

Surjewala's comments came shortly after DKS appeared to distance himself from discussions about a 'rebellion' aimed at replacing Siddaramaiah. "I am not affiliated with any group... I don't approve of it and won't participate in such actions," he stated.

"I don't have a 'camp' nor am I a 'camp leader,'" he emphasized, referring to Karnataka Congress lawmakers who have publicly advocated for DKS to replace Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.

"All 140 leaders (the Congress' 137 MLAs and three independents) are important to me," he affirmed, while also reiterating, as he has previously, his expectation that Siddaramaiah will complete his full five-year term.

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has clearly indicated he anticipates continuing his leadership without challenge. Earlier this week, he told reporters, "...my power hasn't diminished... it has only strengthened. This will continue... the people voted for us, and our focus remains on fulfilling our promises."

Discussions about a potential leadership change in Congress-ruled Karnataka, which have been simmering beneath the surface, emerged publicly this week following pointed remarks by Shivakumar regarding his potential resignation as head of the party's state unit.

DKS holding both the Deputy Chief Minister position and the state party leadership role has frequently been highlighted by the Siddaramaiah faction in debates over the top leadership position. The Congress maintains a 'one person, one post' policy (adopted in 2022 at Rahul Gandhi's insistence) that was modified for DKS following the 2023 election victory.

After that election, the Siddaramaiah and DKS camps were in fierce competition for the Chief Minister position, compelling the party (with Randeep Surjewala dispatched to mediate) to negotiate an arrangement – Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister with DKS as his deputy, holding significant portfolios, while also maintaining his KPCC presidency.

Resigning from the KPCC position would eliminate one argument used by the Siddaramaiah faction.

Simultaneously, a delegation of Congress lawmakers from Bengaluru, including the Agriculture Minister, traveled to Delhi to meet party president Mallikarjun Kharge. One of these leaders, MLA Iqbal Hussain, informed NDTV that their proposal had been received and that "justice" had been promised within a week.

Part of the 2023 'agreement' reportedly included a power-sharing arrangement whereby each man would serve as Chief Minister for two-and-a-half years. Siddaramaiah's 'term' concluded this week. The lawmakers' Delhi visit has been interpreted as a 'reminder' to Congress leadership about this 'agreement' and to advocate for DKS to assume leadership.