Congress High Command Set to Summon Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar Amid Escalating Karnataka Power Tussle

The Congress high command is preparing to summon Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to New Delhi, as the leadership grows increasingly “furious” over the escalating political turbulence in the state. With both factions hardening their positions and legislators flocking to the national capital, the party fears the public spectacle is damaging Congress at a critical juncture.

According to senior party sources, the top priority of the upcoming meeting will be to direct both leaders to rein in their respective camps and cease public statements that are tarnishing the government’s and the party’s image. The leadership is reportedly concerned that open demands, counter-statements and pressure tactics have eroded the credibility of both the Karnataka government and the Congress nationally.

Leadership Divide Within the High Command

Insiders say the final decision on the Karnataka leadership issue now rests with Rahul Gandhi. Within the Congress’ core decision-making group of six, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are said to be open to elevating Shivakumar to the Chief Minister’s post, while Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal favour allowing Siddaramaiah to complete his full term. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge remains “undecided” — a crucial swing vote with personal stakes in the outcome.

Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have urged the high command to end the uncertainty surrounding the leadership question, arguing that the ambiguity has begun damaging governance as well as public confidence.

However, top sources indicate that no change in leadership or cabinet reshuffle is expected before January–March.

Kharge as a “Compromise CM” Option

A section of leaders close to Kharge has begun circulating his name as a potential compromise candidate if tensions escalate further. As a prominent national Dalit face with strong Hindi communication skills, Kharge’s rising national influence is seen by many as an asset for the Congress. Some argue that shifting him to state politics may undercut this momentum, while others believe he could help consolidate the party’s support in Karnataka.

Siddaramaiah Camp Pushes Back

The Siddaramaiah faction is reportedly upset with the narrative emerging from the Shivakumar camp, which they feel paints the CM as “vachana brashta” — someone who failed to honour a promise. They argue that Siddaramaiah has fulfilled governance commitments and delivered political stability, leaving “no justification” for his removal.

Senior leaders backing Siddaramaiah have asked the high command whether there has been any deficiency in governance, guarantees, or performance warranting a transition. “The answer is no,” they maintain.

Options Before the High Command

Sources say the following options will be placed before the CM and DCM in Delhi:

Option 1:
Gag orders on both camps until January, with decisions on reshuffle or leadership change taken after a cooling-off period. The ongoing State-wise Review (SIR) process has been disrupted by the current power struggle.

Option 2:
A closed-door meeting after hearing both leaders, with final decisions deferred until after the state budget in March. Both leaders may be asked to prove majority support among MLAs.

Option 3:
No immediate power transfer, but Siddaramaiah must agree that the 2028 election strategy, planning and leadership will be led by Shivakumar. DKS would be projected as the sole CM face, with no parallel contenders.

Option 4:
Retain Kharge as AICC president to maximise his national appeal, particularly as a southern leader fluent in Hindi — a profile the party last benefitted from during the PV Narasimha Rao era.

Option 5:
A complete reshuffle — Kharge as Karnataka Chief Minister and Siddaramaiah moving to Delhi as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. While Siddaramaiah has said he has “no interest in Delhi,” the high command is likely to place the option on the table.

Behind-the-Scenes Tensions

Sources reveal that during a recent meeting in Bengaluru, when Kharge raised the issue of power transfer, Siddaramaiah responded: “If there is such an idea, one communication from Rahul Gandhi is enough.” This reportedly upset Kharge, who felt undermined in his authority as party chief.

Kharge has also been cautioned by senior Dalit leaders — including Dr G Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa and Satish Jarkiholi — that they may adopt a “non-cooperation” stance if Shivakumar is made CM.

Meanwhile, influential religious leaders from prominent mutts have begun weighing in, with some backing Siddaramaiah and others supporting Shivakumar. Though this is unlikely to determine the final decision, the high command is monitoring its impact on regional political blocs.

Camps Hold Firm

Siddaramaiah’s camp insists he will complete the full five-year term. Shivakumar’s camp asserts that if Siddaramaiah continues, DKS must be formally declared the party’s sole CM face for 2028. Shivakumar is also reportedly wooing Satish Jarkiholi, a key Siddaramaiah aide, to bolster his support.

The campaign by the DKS faction that Siddaramaiah agreed to a mid-term handover — based on vague internal discussions where the CM reportedly said “Let’s see” — has intensified tensions.

A senior minister lamented: “More time is being spent clarifying who the Chief Minister is than working on development. This noise is hurting administration. Views must be expressed internally, not publicly.”

Despite mounting pressure from both sides, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continue to publicly affirm that they will abide by the high command’s final decision.