The internal power struggle within the Karnataka Congress has intensified following the government’s completion of the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. The renewed tension centers on a speculated “power-sharing” agreement between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the CM post.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge confirmed on Wednesday that he will address the issue after holding discussions with Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.
“Only the people there can say what the Government is doing there. But I would like to say that we will resolve such issues. People in the High Command – Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and me will sit together and deliberate on this…We will give the mediation that is required,” Kharge told ANI.
The “Secret Deal” at the Center of the Tussle
The core of the conflict is the widely rumored, yet unconfirmed, power-sharing arrangement:
- The Rumor: Reports from the time of government formation in May 2023 suggested that the party high command settled the intense contest between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar by agreeing to a rotational CM formula, where Siddaramaiah would serve for the first 2.5 years before handing over the post to Shivakumar.
- Shivakumar’s Statement: Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar acknowledged the existence of such a pact, stating on Tuesday that there was a “secret deal” among “five six” Congress members regarding the chief minister’s post. He added that he did not want to speak publicly on it to avoid embarrassing or weakening the party.
- Siddaramaiah’s Stance: The Chief Minister’s camp maintains that no such deal existed. However, Siddaramaiah has asked the party’s top leadership to intervene and bring the “confusion” to a close, stating that he will abide by whatever decision the high command ultimately takes.
High Command Involvement
The party leadership, referred to as the “High Command,” is under increasing pressure to provide clarity:
- MLA Lobbying: Several Congress MLAs, particularly those aligned with Shivakumar, have recently traveled to New Delhi to meet with Mallikarjun Kharge and other central leaders, pressing for the implementation of the rumored 2.5-year rotational formula.
- Conflicting Demands: Party insiders suggest Siddaramaiah is pushing for a Cabinet reshuffle, which, if approved, would be seen as a signal that he is set to complete the full five-year term. In contrast, Shivakumar’s supporters want the leadership question settled first.
The upcoming discussions between Kharge, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi are expected to be the final step toward resolving the dispute and putting an official end to the speculation surrounding the leadership of the Karnataka government.