Bengaluru: Tension between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, with both camps attempting to outmanoeuvre each other as the Congress government in Karnataka approaches the halfway mark of its five-year term.
While Siddaramaiah’s camp is reportedly pushing for a cabinet reshuffle, the deputy CM’s camp is resisting it, viewing the move as an attempt to stall an unwritten power-sharing pact under which Siddaramaiah is expected to step down next month and pave the way for Shivakumar to take over as chief minister.
Power-sharing debate reignited
The issue resurfaced on Sunday after Shivakumar said, “Ours is a high command-led party, and the high command will decide who should occupy which position and for how many days. It never goes by numbers.”
A day later, Siddaramaiah responded pointedly: “One can become the chief minister only if he enjoys the support of a majority of MLAs and has the blessings of the party high command.” He also hinted at a cabinet expansion, noting that vacancies created by the resignations of B Nagendra and KN Rajanna would soon be filled.
Siddaramaiah camp pushes for reshuffle
Most Congress legislators had backed Siddaramaiah when the government was formed in May 2023, which reportedly forced Shivakumar to defer his claim to the top post.
Siddaramaiah’s supporters — including his MLC son Yathindra Siddaramaiah and housing minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan — maintain that the chief minister will complete a full term. Khan said, “There is nothing wrong with someone aspiring to be CM. But Siddaramaiah is CM now and will continue. A cabinet expansion is expected in November, as some MLAs deprived of opportunities are insisting on it. The high command will decide.”
Small-scale industries minister Sharanbasappa Darshanapur echoed the sentiment, asserting that Siddaramaiah will remain in the post.
Shivakumar camp pushes back
Shivakumar’s supporters have opposed the talk of a reshuffle. Kunigal MLA HD Ranganath said, “Those spreading canards should know this is not the time to talk about a cabinet reshuffle. It is not good for the party. Such a move should be considered only after confusion over the CM’s post is cleared.”
Earlier, Shivakumar had dismissed the reshuffle buzz as mere speculation. “There is no proposal to reshuffle the cabinet. Either the CM or I should propose it. When neither of us has, it is only rumour. Those in a hurry to secure power and create confusion are spreading such talk,” he said.
Background
Reports suggest the Congress high command brokered a power-sharing pact between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar last year, stipulating that both leaders would serve equal durations during the five-year term. However, as the government nears its mid-point, uncertainty over whether Siddaramaiah will hand over the reins remains unresolved, with both factions digging in for a political showdown.