Karnataka – Congress Party Chief Mallikarjun Kharge has publicly acknowledged the ongoing Karnataka power tussle, assuring party workers and the public that the leadership crisis will be resolved swiftly. In a significant statement, Kharge promised that he, along with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, would “fix it” before the winter assembly sessions commence on December 1.
High Command Intervention Promised
The Congress President’s acknowledgment of the Karnataka power tussle marks a departure from weeks of official denials about internal tensions within the state unit. Kharge stated that the high command would “sit together and deliberate” to settle the mounting speculation surrounding the chief ministerial post. This intervention comes as competing factions within the Karnataka Congress have made their positions increasingly clear, threatening party unity in one of its most crucial electoral states.
The Karnataka power tussle has intensified in recent weeks, with supporters of both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar publicly expressing their expectations. Assembly elections in the state are scheduled in two years, making stable leadership essential for the party’s electoral prospects.
Shivakumar Emphasizes Party Unity
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, firmly distancing himself from speculation about the Karnataka power tussle while emphasizing his commitment to party interests. He insisted that discussions regarding leadership matters would remain “within four walls,” signaling his preference for private negotiations over public confrontation.
“I don’t have any faction. There is only one faction and that is the Congress faction,” Shivakumar declared, rejecting suggestions that the party was divided into competing groups. He emphasized that Congress was built on collective leadership, with all 140 legislators working together for the party’s interests.
When questioned about whether the remaining government term was being reserved for him, Shivakumar maintained, “There is no personal agenda here, the party decides on everything. The party has recognized me. All of us, including myself, Siddaramaiah, ministers and MLAs have collectively worked for all elections.”
Origins of the Karnataka Power Tussle
The current Karnataka power tussle traces its roots to May 18, 2023, when senior party negotiators gathered at Kharge’s New Delhi residence following the party’s electoral victory. The crucial meeting included Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala, and Shivakumar’s brother, MP DK Suresh.
According to those present, Shivakumar initially sought the first 2.5 years of the government’s five-year term as chief minister. Siddaramaiah refused this arrangement, citing his seniority within the party hierarchy. The compromise that emerged from these negotiations granted Siddaramaiah the opening half of the term, with Shivakumar expected to assume leadership for the latter period.
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The Confidential Power-Sharing Agreement
Sources close to the Karnataka power tussle reveal that the understanding reached in 2023 was deliberately kept confidential. The party leadership opposed making the arrangement public, fearing it would create governmental instability and provide ammunition to opposition parties.
People familiar with the meeting recall Siddaramaiah reportedly assuring DK Suresh, “Suresh, I am Siddaramaiah. I will stand by the promise I made. One week before completing 2.5 years, I will resign.” This statement, according to Shivakumar’s supporters, created a “moral responsibility” for all parties involved, given Siddaramaiah’s long tenure in key party positions.
Shivakumar’s inner circle maintains that he has intentionally avoided public confrontation regarding the Karnataka power tussle, believing any misstep could damage the party’s prospects. They stress that he continues to regard Siddaramaiah as essential to Congress and has no intention of sidelining the senior leader.
Both Leaders Defer to High Command
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated he will follow whatever decision the high command makes regarding the Karnataka power tussle. Shivakumar has echoed this position, demonstrating both leaders’ willingness to accept the Gandhi family’s final verdict.
A party insider revealed that a meeting between Kharge and Rahul Gandhi is expected within 48 hours. Following this consultation, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar are anticipated to be summoned to Delhi for final discussions on resolving the Karnataka power tussle.
Additional Contender Emerges
Complicating the Karnataka power tussle further, Home Minister G Parameshwara has signaled his continued interest in the chief ministerial position. Citing longstanding demands for a Dalit chief minister, Parameshwara reflected on his tenure as KPCC president in 2013, stating, “I have always been in the CM race,” and noting that party presidents typically receive opportunities to lead.
Party’s Strategic Calculations
The Congress party’s public acknowledgment of the Karnataka power tussle represents a significant shift from previous denials. This transparency underscores the competing interests within the state unit and the high command’s recognition that the issue requires immediate resolution to prevent further damage to party cohesion ahead of crucial electoral battles.
