Karnataka – The Karnataka CM tussle has taken a new turn with deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar heading to Delhi for what he calls a private event, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated he would only travel to the national capital if formally invited by the party. This development comes as the Siddaramaiah-led government completes two-and-a-half years in power, intensifying speculation about leadership changes in the southern state.
Shivakumar’s Delhi Trip Sparks Political Speculation
Despite efforts to downplay the political significance, Shivakumar’s Delhi visit has added fuel to the ongoing Karnataka CM tussle. Before departing, Shivakumar clarified to reporters that he was traveling to Delhi to attend a wedding and plan for a party event, emphasizing that the trip had no “political importance.” However, his journey to the capital amid the power struggle has inevitably drawn attention to the leadership tensions within the state Congress unit.
Shivakumar elaborated on his Delhi plans, explaining that beyond the wedding, he would participate in discussions at the Congress headquarters regarding a massive event scheduled for December 14 at Delhi’s Ramleela Maidan. This event, focused on the ‘vote chori’ campaign, will see the deputy Chief Minister mobilizing at least 300 workers from each district to participate in the demonstration.
Siddaramaiah’s Measured Response
In what appears to be a calculated response to the Karnataka CM tussle, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made it clear that he operates through formal channels. When asked about Shivakumar’s Delhi visit, Siddaramaiah told reporters, “Let him go. I will go only if I receive a call. I have not received a call so far.” This statement underscores the procedural approach Siddaramaiah is taking amid the power struggle speculation.
Instead of traveling to Delhi, Siddaramaiah headed to Mangaluru to participate in an event commemorating the centenary of social reformer Sri Narayana Guru’s meeting with Mahatma Gandhi. This scheduling choice demonstrated his focus on state affairs while his deputy traveled to the national capital, adding another layer to the Karnataka CM tussle narrative.
Congress High Command’s Role
The Karnataka CM tussle has inevitably drawn the involvement of the Congress high command, with leaders making frequent trips to Delhi to meet senior party leadership. At the Mangaluru event, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal delivered the keynote address and had lunch with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a meeting that itself became part of the political discourse.
Siddaramaiah indicated that any direction from the party high command for a Delhi meeting would be conveyed through Venugopal, establishing clear communication channels amid the power struggle. This statement reinforces the role of the central leadership in potentially resolving the Karnataka CM tussle.
When questioned about his lunch meeting with Venugopal, Shivakumar defended the interaction, asking, “What’s wrong in CM meeting Venugopal, Rahul Gandhi or Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge?” His response suggested that such meetings are routine and should not be interpreted solely through the lens of the leadership dispute.
Display of Unity Amid Tensions
Despite the obvious Karnataka CM tussle, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have made efforts to project unity. The two leaders recently displayed bonhomie by inviting each other for breakfast at their respective residences in Bengaluru. These breakfast meetings, held twice, were designed to present a united front to the public and party workers, even as speculation about the chief minister’s position continues.
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This carefully choreographed display of camaraderie represents an attempt to manage the Karnataka CM tussle while maintaining party discipline and avoiding open confrontation. Both leaders understand the importance of projecting unity, particularly as the government enters its third year in power.
Supporter Mobilization and Public Sentiment
The Karnataka CM tussle has mobilized supporters on both sides, with recent incidents highlighting the passion surrounding the leadership question. When Venugopal arrived at Mangaluru airport, Shivakumar’s supporters raised slogans, prompting questions about the appropriateness of such demonstrations during the power struggle.
Shivakumar responded defensively, stating that supporters have been raising “DK DK” slogans for the past ten years and drawing parallels to other political chants. “People shout ‘Modi Modi’ and some others say ‘DK DK’. There are people who shout ‘Rahul Rahul’ and some others chant ‘Siddu Siddu’. There is nothing wrong in it,” he explained, framing supporter enthusiasm as a natural expression of affection rather than political pressure.
The Road Ahead
The Karnataka CM tussle shows no signs of immediate resolution as both leaders navigate their positions carefully. The Congress party has been witnessing internal power struggles, with leaders repeatedly traveling to Delhi to engage with senior party leadership. The completion of two-and-a-half years in government has heightened expectations about potential leadership changes, though no official announcement has been made.
As Shivakumar remains in Delhi and Siddaramaiah focuses on state engagements, the Karnataka CM tussle continues to dominate political discourse. The December 14 ‘vote chori’ event may provide another opportunity for both leaders to interact with the high command, potentially bringing clarity to the leadership question. Until then, the political uncertainty in Karnataka persists, with both camps watching developments closely.
