Veerappa Moily Blames Congress Central Leadership for Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Power Struggle in Karnataka

The rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar has been brewing since Congress secured victory in the 2023 election.

New Delhi:

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily has attributed responsibility to the party's central leadership for the ongoing power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Moily emphasized the urgent need to restore discipline before the situation "spoils Congress in Karnataka."

Speaking candidly on Friday as the leadership conflict became increasingly public, Moily stated: "No doubt it's political turmoil or if it's not yet, it will lead towards turmoil. Central leadership is responsible for that. They should know how to control it, but things are leading to different directions, which will spoil Congress in Karnataka."

Moily also expressed concern over community and religious leaders entering the political fray, describing it as a harmful signal in a state already experiencing tension.

"Swamijis and community leaders are coming to support their respective leaders, this sends a wrong message. Discipline is the need of hour first bring it otherwise opposition BJP is demolishing Congress everywhere. It will lose Karnataka also," he warned.

While Moily refrained from endorsing either contender for the top position, he added, "I will not comment who should continue or who should be made Chief Minister, I only say bring discipline."

His comments followed renewed pressure from Vokkaliga spiritual leader Sri Sri Nanjavadutha Swamiji, who publicly endorsed Shivakumar for the Chief Minister's position.

"What is going on is not in the best interest of the party. This will ruin the party's prospects," Moily cautioned.

The Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar rivalry, which has been simmering since Congress won the 2023 election, intensified again on Friday. Party leadership is now working quickly to contain the fallout before the Assembly's winter session commences on December 8, amid warnings from within the party and threats from the opposition.

Congress sources informed NDTV that Siddaramaiah's position "is not currently in danger." His strength comes from substantial support: over 100 of the party's 137 MLAs, backed by the Ahinda coalition and his status as a prominent OBC leader. Senior party figures acknowledge that any attempt to replace him without his consent would be virtually impossible.

Nevertheless, pressure from the Shivakumar camp continues to intensify. A delegation of his supporters met with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi last week. According to party insiders, their efforts could delay a long-planned cabinet reshuffle that Siddaramaiah had hoped would demonstrate his intention to remain as Chief Minister.