A simmering power struggle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar prompted the Congress high command on Friday to intervene, directing both leaders to meet and resolve their differences. In response, Siddaramaiah invited Shivakumar for a breakfast meeting on Saturday, stressing that both would abide by the decisions of the party leadership. He also stated that he is prepared to travel to Delhi if summoned.
The renewed infighting stems from longstanding tensions within the party’s Karnataka unit. After the Congress’s emphatic victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah was appointed chief minister, though reports at the time suggested an informal power-sharing arrangement. With Siddaramaiah nearing the 2.5-year mark in office, Shivakumar’s supporters have once again begun pressing for a leadership transition. Shivakumar is considered the leading contender should a change occur, although other senior figures, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara, have also expressed interest in the top post.
Amid the escalating factionalism, a Cabinet reshuffle is anticipated. The Congress high command now faces the critical decision of whether to retain Siddaramaiah to lead the party into the 2028 elections or elevate Shivakumar in hopes of consolidating internal support.
Senior Congress leader M. Veerappa Moily criticised the party’s central leadership for allowing the situation to intensify, cautioning that prolonged discord could weaken the party’s position in the state
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