Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly denied holding any current talks aimed at replacing Siddaramaiah as the state’s Chief Minister, amid intensifying speculation regarding a possible change in leadership.
Speaking on Thursday, Shivakumar insisted that he is “not in a hurry for anything,” and moved to clarify rumors following a recent visit to Mumbai. He stressed that he had not met top party leaders there, emphasizing that any high-level discussions on leadership would take place in Bengaluru or Delhi, not Mumbai.
The Root of the Conflict: The Alleged Power-Sharing Deal
The persistent leadership speculation in Karnataka stems from an alleged “power-sharing agreement” reportedly forged between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar in 2023, following the Congress party’s significant victory in the state assembly elections.
- Shivakumar’s View: While Shivakumar has alluded to a “secret deal,” he recently characterized the specifics of any such arrangement as restricted to just “five–six” Congress insiders. He declined to elaborate publicly, stating that open discussion would only weaken the party.
- Public Friction: The tension has become increasingly visible in recent days. Shivakumar posted a cryptic social media message stating that “keeping one’s word is greatest strength,” which was widely viewed as a subtle nudge to the party high command regarding the alleged deal.
- Siddaramaiah’s Counter: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has responded with his own carefully worded public statements, which many observers interpret as a direct counter to his deputy’s demands, deepening the visible friction at the top of the state government. Siddaramaiah has reportedly laid claim to serving the “five full years” as Karnataka’s Chief Minister.
Complications and Central Leadership Intervention
Further complicating the political scenario, other senior leaders are also positioning themselves for the top post:
- G Parameshwara: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has implied that he remains a contender for the Chief Minister’s post, especially amid demands from Dalit organizations for a Dalit Chief Minister.
In light of the ongoing internal disputes, the central leadership of the Congress, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, is reportedly preparing to intervene. They are expected to convene talks with both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah to resolve the leadership question and the alleged power-sharing deal once and for all.
As it stands, Shivakumar maintains he is focused on the long game and not pushing for immediate change, while the entire party awaits clarity from the Congress high command to settle the unresolved contest for Karnataka’s top political position.