A late-night meeting between deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi has renewed speculation about internal realignments within the Karnataka Congress. The two senior leaders, often regarded as political rivals, met at an undisclosed location in Bengaluru on Tuesday night, with discussions reportedly continuing past midnight.
Both leaders confirmed the meeting on Wednesday, but maintained that it primarily focused on preparations for the 2028 assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha polls. However, party insiders claimed the talks may have also touched upon the long-discussed power-sharing formula within the state government.
Claim of “unwritten pact” resurfaces
According to aides close to Shivakumar, the deputy chief minister is believed to have sought Jarkiholi’s support in persuading chief minister Siddaramaiah to honour what they describe as an “unwritten pact” negotiated in New Delhi in 2023. As per the understanding, Siddaramaiah would reportedly step aside at the halfway mark of the government’s term.
Shivakumar, however, declined to comment directly on the pact, saying only: “I can’t speak about it with the media.”
He reiterated that his meeting with Jarkiholi was routine and part of organisational coordination. “The meeting was about elections in 2028 and 2029 and party organisation. Satish is my cabinet colleague—what is the harm in meeting him?” he said.
Belagavi dynamics add political weight to the meeting
The meeting comes amid ongoing friction between the two leaders, particularly over political turf in Belagavi district, considered Jarkiholi’s stronghold. Shivakumar had recently extended open support to women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar—another prominent Belagavi leader—which had escalated rivalry between the factions.
Last month, Siddaramaiah’s son Yathindra had publicly described Jarkiholi, not Shivakumar, as the natural successor to Siddaramaiah’s political legacy and the leader capable of carrying forward the Ahinda (backward classes, minorities, SC/ST) vote base.
Despite such remarks, Shivakumar insisted there was “no special significance” to the meeting. “I am the party president, Satish is the working president. We are close friends and have worked together. The government has completed two-and-a-half years; we discussed what needs to be done in the remaining term,” he said.
Jarkiholi echoes line of normalcy
Jarkiholi, too, downplayed speculation, pointing out that Shivakumar had recently met several party functionaries. He said any decision on leadership would ultimately be taken by the party high command.
“The high command will decide. Siddaramaiah has also said a decision must be made soon,” Jarkiholi remarked. Responding to home minister G Parameshwara’s open claim to the chief minister’s post, he added: “There is nothing wrong in making such claims. But the final decision happens in Delhi.”
Shivakumar denies factionalism talk
Shivakumar dismissed questions about internal divisions, insisting that the party remained united. “I don’t have a faction. There is only one faction—the Congress faction. My number is 140,” he said, referring to the party’s assembly strength.
He credited the Congress victory in Karnataka to collective leadership under Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Siddaramaiah, and efforts of all MLAs. “Satish Jarkiholi and I met to discuss ways to sustain this,” he added.
When asked whether the halfway mark would trigger a leadership transition, Shivakumar said: “There are no personal issues here. The party decides everything. The CM post or any high office is unimportant. What matters is working together and bringing the party back to the helm.”
Uncertainty over upcoming Delhi meeting
Questions remain about whether top state leaders will meet the party leadership in Delhi this weekend. Shivakumar was non-committal. “The 28th is Constitution Day. The 29th is still far away; let’s see. I don’t know,” he said.
Conclusion
While both leaders insist their late-night meeting was organisational, its timing and the political backdrop have sparked renewed speculation within Karnataka’s Congress circles. With the government at its halfway point and leadership questions resurfacing, the coming weeks may offer more clarity on whether the party opts for continuity—or change.