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The power tussle in Karnataka Congress has entered a critical phase as the party central leadership prepares to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar to “clear the air” over a possible change of guard. At the heart of the churn is an alleged power‑sharing pact linked to the government completing half its term.
Why the Congress High Command Is Stepping In
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has confirmed that the party top brass himself, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi will jointly decide on the Karnataka leadership issue. The move comes after weeks of open speculation over whether Siddaramaiah will continue as CM or pass the baton to state Congress chief and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar.
Sources indicate that the central leadership is likely to call Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and other senior Karnataka functionaries to Delhi around November 29 to discuss the matter face to face. The aim is to prevent the internal debate from spiralling into a public crisis that could hurt the party ahead of the 2028 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha polls.
The 2.5‑Year “Power‑Sharing” Formula
The leadership churn has intensified since the Congress government in Karnataka completed 2.5 years in office on November 20, reviving talk of a “half‑and‑half” CM sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. Shivakumar has publicly referred to a “secret deal” known only to “five or six” leaders, while avoiding specific details.
Siddaramaiah camp, however, insists there was no formal agreement that he would step down mid‑term, pointing out that he was elected CLP leader in 2023 without any such condition being communicated to MLAs. Close aide Basavaraja Rayareddy has argued that replacing Siddaramaiah “is not easy” and that he should be allowed to complete the full five‑year term.
What Sidda and DKS Have Said
Siddaramaiah has acknowledged that there is “confusion” around the CM issue and has urged the high command to put a “full stop” to the speculation, reiterating that he will accept whatever decision the leadership takes. He has also continued to push for a Cabinet reshuffle and governance agenda, projecting himself as focused on administration.
Shivakumar, meanwhile, has maintained that the final word lies with the party high command, but has repeatedly reminded the leadership about “keeping promises”. He has claimed that all 140 Congress MLAs are “with him” and described the CM issue as part of an internal “secret deal” that he will not debate in public.
Midnight Meetings and Internal Camps
Reports of a late‑night meeting between Shivakumar and cabinet colleague Satish Jarkiholi, a leader with his own power base in Belagavi, have added to the sense of churn. While both leaders said they were discussing preparations for the 2028 and 2029 elections, party insiders see it as part of ongoing lobbying over the CM question.
At the same time, ministers seen as close to Siddaramaiah – such as K J George – have dismissed talk of a binding power‑sharing pact, stressing that only the high command can decide on leadership and that the priority should be stable governance.
What the Delhi Meeting Could Decide
The upcoming meeting in Delhi is expected to weigh three broad options: allow Siddaramaiah to complete his full term, implement the alleged 2.5‑year formula and hand over the CM post to Shivakumar, or work out a compromise with adjustments in roles and responsibilities.
Congress strategists are keenly aware of past experiences in Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, where unresolved power‑sharing tussles between senior leaders were seen as contributing to election defeats. This history is likely to influence how carefully the high command balances regional aspirations, generational change and the need for unity in Karnataka.
Why This Matters Beyond Karnataka
Karnataka is currently the Congress most important big state government, both for political visibility and organisational resources ahead of national elections. A messy leadership battle risks weakening the party image and morale at a time when it wants to project stability as a counterweight to the BJP.
How the high command handles the Siddaramaiah–Shivakumar equation will send a strong signal to other state units about its approach to “power‑sharing” formulas, leadership transitions and internal discipline. A smooth, consensus‑driven outcome could strengthen the Congress narrative; a prolonged tussle could do the opposite.