Karnataka CM Power Struggle: Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar's Battle for Leadership Intensifies

New Delhi:

The power struggle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar over the Karnataka Chief Minister's position intensified Thursday as rival factions prepared to gather and lobby senior leadership in Delhi.

On Wednesday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge finally acknowledged a situation (without using that specific term) in the southern state, stating that Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and he would "fix it".

This resolution remains pending and appears, at this stage, to involve a change in leadership.

However, it remains uncertain whether Siddaramaiah will maintain his position, DK Shivakumar will finally achieve his ambition, or if a temporary leader will be appointed to maintain stability until the next election in 2028.

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Currently, there is (comparative) quiet and tension, particularly as the Congress confronts another internal conflict, reminiscent of Rajasthan when Sachin Pilot challenged Ashok Gehlot.

That situation concluded unfavorably for the party – resulting in a decisive defeat by the BJP in the 2023 election.

NDTV analyzes what each faction desires in this contest for power.

Siddaramaiah: Delay any decision until after the state budget presentation.

This would require the Congress to reaffirm to Shivakumar that Siddaramaiah's position is secure, at least temporarily. Sources indicate he wants Rahul Gandhi to reiterate this message.

Siddaramaiah also intends to reorganize his cabinet to demonstrate his authority. He continues to enjoy support from numerous MLAs, which, as DKS would confirm, makes him difficult to remove.

READ | Siddaramaiah's 'Plan' In Case Congress Promotes DK Shivakumar

Also relevant is Siddaramaiah's aspiration to surpass Devaraj Urs – a legendary Congress leader from the state – as Karnataka's longest-serving Chief Minister. Therefore, if Siddaramaiah does agree to step down before his term concludes, it likely won't be before achieving that milestone.

DK Shivakumar: A defined transition strategy.

DKS appears willing to wait, especially since he recognizes that most MLAs still support Siddaramaiah. However, he has clearly indicated his patience has limits.

As he waits, Siddaramaiah's deputy wants a clear message conveyed to his superior – resign and facilitate a smooth transition. This is crucial because DKS lacks the numerical support that Siddaramaiah commands, and will require unambiguous direction from the Gandhis for advancement.

READ | 'Keeping Promise A Big Power Move': Shivakumar Reminds Congress

Shivakumar's supporters have also indicated to Congress high command that he expects other senior state leaders, including PWD Minister Satish Jarikholi, to support him.

Dark horses?

Indeed. Two, in fact, including Kharge himself.

Sources informed NDTV that the Congress President might represent an acceptable compromise for all parties.

The 83-year-old is a widely respected Kannadiga leader whose elevation to party presidency was, in many respects, thrust upon him amid pressure from the G-23, a group of Congress leaders who demanded organizational reforms at the national level following consecutive electoral defeats.

However, Kharge stepping down as Congress president would trigger a more significant leadership crisis for the party, leaving it susceptible to criticism from the BJP and other opponents before important elections in Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Assam, and UP over the next two years.

READ | "Always In Race": Karnataka Minister On Siddaramaiah-DKS Row

G Parameshwara, the Home Minister, represents another possibility.

Also a Siddaramaiah supporter, eyebrows were raised this week after he expressed interest in the chief ministerial position. A prominent Dalit leader, he mentioned that there have been numerous requests for a chief minister from that marginalized community.

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