Bengaluru: The simmering power struggle within the Karnataka Congress government has resurfaced once again, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah heading to Delhi for a crucial meeting with the party high command amid ongoing speculation over a possible leadership change and cabinet reshuffle.
The political developments come three years into the Congress government’s tenure in Karnataka and have reignited discussions around the long-standing tussle between Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar over the chief minister’s post.
According to party sources, the Congress central leadership invited Siddaramaiah to Delhi for discussions scheduled on Tuesday. However, what has drawn attention within political circles is the Chief Minister’s decision to travel with several ministers and MLAs, a move widely viewed as a show of strength aimed at demonstrating his continued support within the legislature party.
Siddaramaiah displays strength ahead of Delhi meeting
Speaking to reporters before departing for Delhi, Siddaramaiah confirmed that he had been invited by the party leadership.
“I’m invited to Delhi. Tomorrow there is a meeting at 11 am. I don’t know the subject. Last night, KC Venugopal called and informed me about the meeting,” the Chief Minister said.
When asked about speculation surrounding the purpose of the meeting, Siddaramaiah responded, “It is always there.”
Political observers see the Chief Minister’s move to travel alongside loyal ministers and MLAs as a strategic message to the Congress high command. In Karnataka politics, legislative support often plays a decisive role, and Siddaramaiah appears keen to underline that any move to replace him could trigger political complications within the party.
The optics of the visit have further fuelled speculation because no official invitation has reportedly been extended to DK Shivakumar for the same meeting.
DKS camp waits for clarity
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who has long been seen as a contender for the top post, maintained a cautious stance amid the speculation.
“If I’m called by the high command, I will go,” Shivakumar told reporters.
The Congress leader’s supporters have repeatedly asserted that there was an understanding regarding rotational chief ministership when the party came to power after the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections. However, Siddaramaiah has consistently dismissed claims of any power-sharing agreement and has publicly maintained that he will complete a full five-year term as Chief Minister.
Despite the public statements, tensions between the two camps have continued to surface periodically over the past 18 months.
Adding to the political intrigue, Shivakumar and his brother, former MP D. K. Suresh, reportedly held a late-night strategy meeting on Sunday as speculation intensified over possible decisions from the Congress high command.
Cabinet reshuffle discussions gather momentum
Apart from leadership speculation, discussions surrounding a cabinet reshuffle have also gained momentum within the Karnataka Congress.
Several MLAs aspiring for ministerial positions have reportedly been pressuring the leadership to reshuffle the cabinet and induct new faces. Sources within the party indicate that Siddaramaiah is open to a cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar’s camp prefers clarity on the leadership issue before any changes are made.
Political analysts believe that approval for a cabinet reshuffle could effectively signal that Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister for the remainder of the government’s term, thereby weakening Shivakumar’s prospects of assuming the top post in the near future.
Karnataka currently has three vacant cabinet positions. Former minister B Nagendra resigned following allegations linked to the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki ST Development Corporation case, while KN Rajanna was removed on the party high command’s directions. The recent demise of minister D Sudhakar created the third vacancy.
Sources suggest that Siddaramaiah has prepared a list of probable candidates for cabinet induction. However, discussions with the Congress leadership are expected to determine the final course of action.
Concerns over governance and party image
The prolonged uncertainty over leadership has also triggered concern among several Congress leaders in Karnataka, many of whom fear that continued infighting could impact governance and damage the party’s image ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Over the past year, speculation surrounding a possible leadership transition has dominated Karnataka’s political discourse, with repeated claims and counterclaims emerging from both camps.
While both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly stated that they will abide by the Congress high command’s decision, the absence of a definitive resolution has continued to fuel political uncertainty in the state.
Rajya Sabha polls may also feature in discussions
Apart from the leadership issue, Siddaramaiah’s meeting with senior Congress leaders in Delhi is also expected to include discussions regarding the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections.
Four Rajya Sabha seats from Karnataka are due to fall vacant, and the Congress is believed to be in a strong position to secure three of them. Party insiders say this provides a formal political context for the Chief Minister’s Delhi visit, although the leadership issue remains the dominant focus.
Political observers believe Tuesday’s developments could prove significant in determining whether the Congress leadership finally resolves the Siddaramaiah-DKS power struggle or allows the uncertainty to continue.
For now, Karnataka’s ruling Congress remains caught between competing ambitions, with Delhi once again emerging as the centre of decision-making.