Tensions Surface in Karnataka Government as Siddaramaiah Rebukes Party Worker Over Shivakumar Reference

A simmering rift within the Karnataka government over the Chief Minister's post came into public view on Saturday during a government event in Mysuru, as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sharply responded to a Congress functionary’s suggestion to acknowledge Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in his address.

The incident occurred during Sadhana Samavesha, a government outreach programme to highlight the administration’s achievements. As the Chief Minister began his speech, a party member reportedly prompted him to mention Shivakumar during the welcome remarks. Siddaramaiah, visibly irked, responded on stage:
“D.K. Shivakumar is in Bengaluru and not present here on stage. We only extend greetings to those who are here. We cannot welcome someone who is sitting at home.”

Contrary to the Chief Minister's statement, Shivakumar had indeed attended the event but departed shortly after his speech, citing an emergency that required his return to Bengaluru.

The episode has reignited talk of underlying tensions between the Chief Minister and his deputy, amid ongoing speculation—fuelled in part by the Opposition BJP—that Shivakumar could eventually replace Siddaramaiah.

While the Congress high command has consistently denied any plans to alter the leadership in Karnataka, and Siddaramaiah himself has dismissed rumours of a potential exit, the occasional friction between the two leaders continues to draw public attention. Shivakumar, for his part, has repeatedly expressed loyalty to the Chief Minister and affirmed his support for the government.

The origins of this political undercurrent trace back to the Congress party’s sweeping victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. D.K. Shivakumar, widely credited for playing a pivotal role in the campaign, was considered a frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s position. Following intense internal negotiations, the Congress leadership ultimately appointed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, while Shivakumar was made Deputy Chief Minister and retained his position as the state party president.

Reports at the time suggested that a rotational Chief Ministership might have been part of an informal understanding between the two factions, though no such arrangement has ever been officially confirmed.

As the Congress government in Karnataka nears the midpoint of its term, Saturday’s episode underscores the delicate balance of power within the state leadership and the challenges of managing dual centres of influence within the ruling party.