The leadership debate in Karnataka intensified on Tuesday after Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar refused to comment on speculation surrounding a possible change of chief minister, calling the matter a “secret deal” known only to a handful of Congress leaders. His cryptic remarks have stirred fresh buzz within the party, already grappling with internal disagreements over power-sharing.
The Congress high command has been facing pressure from multiple factions within the Karnataka unit ever since Siddaramaiah returned as Chief Minister after the party’s sweeping victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Rumours resurfaced recently suggesting that the Chief Minister’s post may change hands midway through the term, a subject that has repeatedly triggered friction between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps.
‘I don’t want to speak about it’: Shivakumar
Responding to reporters who questioned him on the power-sharing formula, Shivakumar firmly declined to elaborate. “I don’t want to speak about it. It is a secret deal between a few people,” he said, emphasising that only “five or six leaders” were aware of what had been agreed upon.
Pressed further, he dismissed allegations that the state unit was divided. “There is no division in the organisation. We are united and working for the party. But some things are not meant to be discussed publicly,” he added.
His carefully worded remarks have nevertheless revived speculation that a leadership change may be on the table, especially as the Congress prepares for crucial political battles in the coming year.
Kharge steps in: ‘The high command will decide’
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge attempted to cool down the controversy by stating that the party high command would take the final call on the leadership issue. Without confirming any agreement, Kharge said that all decisions would be made “in the interest of Karnataka and the party”.
Kharge also urged party leaders to avoid public statements that could be interpreted as internal conflict. “Discussions should happen within the party forum. Leadership issues are not for public platforms,” he noted.
His intervention signals the central leadership’s attempt to contain the narrative before it spirals into a larger crisis, especially with the BJP watching the developments closely.
Power-sharing rumours persist
When the Congress formed the government last year, reports suggested that Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had agreed to a rotational arrangement under which the Deputy Chief Minister would take over the top post after two-and-a-half years. Although the party had never officially confirmed the deal, many leaders privately acknowledged that such an understanding existed.
With the government now crossing the halfway mark of its five-year term soon, calls from Shivakumar’s supporters for the party to honour the alleged agreement have grown louder. Several ministers considered close to him have periodically hinted that “promises” must be kept.
Sources within the state Congress claim that while Siddaramaiah wishes to continue for the full term, the high command is weighing political equations, governance feedback, and electoral prospects before making any move.
Congress attempts damage control
Senior leaders in Karnataka are reportedly working behind the scenes to prevent the situation from escalating into a public tussle. The leadership is especially cautious as the party is preparing for the next round of Lok Sabha bypolls and municipal elections.
Observers believe that the Congress cannot afford an internal meltdown at a time when it is trying to project administrative stability and development-driven governance under Siddaramaiah.
Meanwhile, the BJP has been quick to target the ruling party, accusing it of “running a government based on secret deals and power-sharing bargains”. BJP leaders claim that the ongoing confusion reflects an unstable administration.
Shivakumar’s strategic silence
Political analysts say Shivakumar’s silence may be tactical, aimed at signalling to the high command that his patience should not be tested indefinitely. Known for his organisational strength and ability to manage crises, Shivakumar remains a central figure in the Karnataka Congress.
By calling the understanding a “secret deal”, he has indirectly confirmed what the party leadership has long tried to downplay. At the same time, his refusal to elaborate indicates he does not want to appear confrontational publicly—not yet.
What happens next?
The Congress high command is expected to hold internal consultations with senior Karnataka leaders in the coming weeks. With the halfway mark of the government’s term approaching, pressure on the leadership to clarify the power-sharing arrangement will only increase.
While Siddaramaiah maintains strong grassroots support and governance experience, Shivakumar’s wide organisational influence and fundraising ability make him indispensable to the party.
For now, both leaders have maintained public unity, but the underlying tensions remain unmistakable.