Karnataka – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday dismissed claims of a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing deal within the state government, even as his deputy DK Shivakumar asserted that both leaders have reached an agreement with the involvement of the Congress high command. The contrasting statements have reignited debate about the leadership arrangement in Karnataka as the government crosses the midpoint of its five-year term.
Siddaramaiah Denies Two-and-Half-Year Arrangement
During a discussion in the assembly on issues pertaining to North Karnataka’s development, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah firmly rejected suggestions of any power-sharing deal that would limit his tenure. When Opposition BJP MLAs questioned whether the Congress government would fulfill promises made for North Karnataka’s development during his term, Siddaramaiah expressed confidence about completing the full five-year term.
“I am confident that the high command will allow me to complete five years’ term,” Siddaramaiah stated emphatically. The Chief Minister added that he feels the high command supports him, though he would abide by whatever decision the party leadership makes. His comments came in response to pointed questions from Opposition members about the alleged power-sharing deal between him and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar.
When Opposition members pressed further on the power-sharing deal for holding the top post on a rotational basis, Siddaramaiah categorically denied making any such commitment. “I never said that I will be the Chief Minister for two-and-half years,” he declared, directly addressing speculation about a mid-term leadership change that has dominated political discourse in Karnataka.
DK Shivakumar Confirms Agreement with High Command
Hours after Siddaramaiah’s statements in the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar offered a different perspective on the power-sharing deal controversy. Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar clarified that he had never claimed Siddaramaiah would not serve as Chief Minister for the full five years, nor had he suggested that the high command was not supporting the current CM.
“I had never said, he (Siddaramaiah) will not be there (as CM) for five years. I have never said that the high command is not with him. As the high command is with him, he is chief minister today,” Shivakumar explained, attempting to balance his support for Siddaramaiah while acknowledging the existence of some understanding regarding the power-sharing deal.
Shivakumar noted that Siddaramaiah occupies the Chief Minister’s position as per the party’s decision, emphasizing the role of the Congress high command in the leadership arrangement. However, he then made a significant statement that appeared to confirm the existence of an agreement related to the power-sharing deal.
Both Leaders Claim to Have Reached Understanding
“Both of us have come to an agreement, the high command has got us to an understanding, as per that both of us have discussed and have said several times that we will abide by it and go ahead,” Shivakumar stated, clearly indicating that some form of power-sharing deal or understanding exists between the two leaders, facilitated by the Congress high command.
This acknowledgment of an agreement stands in contrast to Siddaramaiah’s categorical denial of any two-and-a-half-year arrangement, creating ambiguity about the exact nature of the power-sharing deal that may have been reached. Shivakumar’s statement suggests that while an understanding exists, its specific terms and timeline may not be as publicly speculated.
Media Speculation vs. Internal Discussions
When questioned about ongoing talks regarding a potential Chief Minister change, Shivakumar deflected by suggesting that media speculation was driving the narrative rather than actual internal discussions. “It is you (media) who is talking about it, there is no discussion among us. We will abide by what the party says,” the Deputy Chief Minister said, attempting to downplay suggestions of any internal conflict regarding the power-sharing deal.
However, his earlier acknowledgment of an agreement reached with high command involvement indicates that discussions about leadership arrangements have indeed taken place, even if the specific details of the power-sharing deal remain undisclosed or subject to interpretation by the two leaders.
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Historical Context and Succession Debate
The succession debate surrounding the alleged power-sharing deal has resurfaced after the Congress government crossed the midpoint of its five-year term on November 20. This milestone has revived discussion about a power-sharing understanding that was reportedly reached in 2023 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar when the government was formed following the Congress party’s victory in state elections.
Political observers note that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were strong contenders for the Chief Minister’s position when the Congress came to power. The party high command’s decision to appoint Siddaramaiah as CM while making Shivakumar his deputy was seen by many as a compromise arrangement, leading to persistent speculation about a possible power-sharing deal.
Implications for Karnataka Governance
The conflicting statements about the power-sharing deal have created uncertainty about the state’s political stability going forward. While Siddaramaiah appears determined to complete his full five-year term as Chief Minister, Shivakumar’s confirmation of an agreement with high command involvement suggests that the leadership question remains open to negotiation.
The ongoing debate about the power-sharing deal also raises questions about how this internal political maneuvering might affect governance and the implementation of development programs, particularly for regions like North Karnataka that were specifically mentioned during the assembly discussion.
As Karnataka moves into the second half of its current legislative term, the resolution of the power-sharing deal controversy will likely depend on decisions made by the Congress high command, which both leaders have pledged to respect and abide by, even as they offer different interpretations of what arrangements currently exist.
