After resolving the leadership question in Kerala, the Congress high command is once again turning its attention towards Karnataka, where the internal power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar continues to intensify.
The leadership issue, which had temporarily cooled during the recent Assembly elections in multiple states, has resurfaced following the Congress decision to appoint V D Satheesan as Kerala Chief Minister.
Political observers believe the Karnataka Congress now faces renewed pressure to address long-standing speculation surrounding a possible power-sharing arrangement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
The issue had earlier reached a flashpoint in November last year, when rumours of a leadership transition created uncertainty within the Karnataka unit. At the time, the Congress high command managed to contain the crisis without making a final decision.
Sources within the party indicate that Siddaramaiah is now focused on reshuffling the cabinet, filling vacant ministerial positions and strengthening his administrative hold ahead of future local body elections.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar’s supporters continue pressing the leadership to honour what they describe as an earlier understanding regarding rotational chief ministership.
Fresh speculation intensified after birthday posters and banners appeared across Bengaluru and other parts of Karnataka referring to Shivakumar as the “next Chief Minister of Karnataka”. Supporters in Mysuru also reportedly celebrated his birthday with cakes and displays projecting him as the future CM.
Political analysts say the Congress leadership faces a delicate balancing act. Any decision to replace Siddaramaiah could upset caste equations, governance stability and factional unity, while delaying the issue further may deepen dissatisfaction within Shivakumar’s camp.
Several Congress MLAs are also reportedly lobbying for ministerial berths, adding another layer of pressure ahead of a possible cabinet reshuffle.
Observers believe the Congress high command, led by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, will closely monitor political developments in Karnataka over the coming weeks before making any significant move.