Karnataka Leadership Dispute: G Parameshwara Joins Siddaramaiah-DK Shivakumar Chief Minister Race

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara emerges as a potential chief ministerial contender in Bengaluru.

The ongoing dispute between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar over Karnataka's Chief Minister position may evolve into a three-way contest, following Home Minister G Parameshwara's apparent interest. The influential Dalit leader seems to have entered the competition amid tensions that have persisted since 2023.

When questioned about Congress Dalit leaders gathering at a dinner organized by PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Parameshwara remarked, "Dalits have been asking for the chief minister's post for a long time..." He added, "I have always been in the race (to be Chief Minister)."

Parameshwara reflected on his 2013 role as President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee: "We brought the party to power. But I never said I brought the government to power alone. Everyone worked together... and the people voted and made the party win." He contemplated what might have happened had he not lost the Koratagere seat to JDS candidate PR Sudhakara.

"I was defeated... I don't know what would have happened had I won..."

In that election, Congress secured 122 seats, resulting in Siddaramaiah's appointment as Chief Minister.

The 74-year-old Parameshwara, who previously appeared to support Siddaramaiah, minimized discussions about leadership changes, noting that the party's senior management hadn't yet made any decisions.

Internal divisions within Karnataka's Congress unit between Siddaramaiah and DKS supporters have remained dormant since June, when Randeep Surjewala negotiated a truce.

Currently, Energy Minister KJ George has reportedly been designated as mediator by Kharge. Sources indicate George was instructed to communicate with both leaders to prevent escalation. George is also expected to address others making controversial statements, potentially including Parameshwara.

Last week, the party appeared to unify regarding the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar matter.

Surjewala accused the "defeated and faction-ridden" BJP state unit, in collaboration with "sections of the media," of conducting a malicious campaign to undermine the Congress government.

Publicly, DKS expressed strong support for Siddaramaiah: "None of us has questioned the authority of the Chief Minister. None of us has said he won't be there for five years. Once the elders say... we juniors follow."

Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has clearly indicated his expectation to continue without challenges.

He recently told reporters, "... my power hasn't gone... it has only gotten stronger. It will continue to remain so... the people voted for us, and we will focus on delivering on our promises."

Discussions about leadership changes in Karnataka, which have frequently surfaced following intense negotiations after Congress's 2023 election victory, reemerged this month after pointed comments from DKS.

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