Leadership battle for CM post intensifies: D.K. Shivakumar’s Delhi push, Siddaramaiah fights to retain chair

Bengaluru: The ongoing leadership tussle between Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has taken a dramatic turn, escalating the political instability within the state Congress.

Sources indicate that Siddaramaiah has crafted a counter-strategy aimed at curbing Shivakumar’s rising influence and consolidating his own position within the party.

Reports suggest that during a recent meeting with the Congress high command in Delhi, Siddaramaiah proposed creating two additional deputy chief minister posts. Party insiders interpret this as a move to dilute Shivakumar’s power and limit his ambitions, while also providing room to accommodate other influential leaders.

While the high command has publicly remained silent, it is closely monitoring the developments in Bengaluru and Delhi. Over the past two days, more than 10 MLAs backing Shivakumar are said to have traveled to Delhi to press for a leadership change, indicating the intensity of factional mobilization within the party.

Meanwhile, in Bengaluru, senior Dalit leaders held a meeting on Thursday night to discuss the demand for a Dalit chief minister, signaling organized efforts to push for a shift in the state’s political leadership. Sources indicate that leaders including Magadi Balakrishna, Iqbal Hussain, and Shivaganga Basavaraj may soon head to Delhi to join the advocacy.

Among Siddaramaiah’s close circle, senior ministers K.N. Rajanna, Venkatesh, Dr. G. Parameshwar, H.C. Mahadevappa, and Satish Jarakiholi reportedly held a private dinner meeting at Jarakiholi’s residence.

According to sources, the ministers deliberated on three critical points, including handling pressure from Delhi, and expressed concern over Shivakumar’s supporters defying party discipline. They plan to formally raise these issues before the high command.

Insiders also reveal that the ministerial group discussed the possibility of allocating the chief minister’s post to a Dalit leader if power-sharing arrangements are considered. The consensus was that while power-sharing may be inevitable, Shivakumar should not be the candidate for the top post.

As the leadership battle intensifies, the political ambitions within Congress, caste dynamics, and governance stability are being tested. Analysts say the next few days will be crucial in determining Karnataka’s political trajectory, and whether the high command will intervene or allow the internal tussle to play out remains to be seen.

The unfolding scenario underscores the delicate balance Congress must maintain between accommodating rising leaders, addressing social representation demands, and ensuring administrative continuity in Karnataka.

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