Karnataka Power Struggle: Shivakumar Loyalists Fly to Delhi Amid CM Post Speculation

The political landscape in Karnataka has intensified as key supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hurriedly flew to Delhi on Tuesday, sparking fresh speculation about a potential leadership tussle within the Congress party. The move comes amid growing whispers that Shivakumar may be pushing for a larger role—possibly even replacing Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.

Why Are Shivakumar’s Aides in Delhi?

A delegation of Karnataka Congress leaders, comprising close allies of Shivakumar, arrived in Delhi to meet the party’s top brass—including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. While officially termed a “routine consultation,” insiders suggest the trip is linked to rising dissatisfaction over the current power-sharing arrangement between Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, has been a strong contender for the CM post. However, following the Congress’s 2023 victory, the party brokered a compromise—Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as his deputy, while retaining his organizational role.

Cracks in the Congress Coalition

Despite public displays of unity, tensions between the two camps have been simmering. Shivakumar’s supporters allege an uneven distribution of power, with Siddaramaiah dominating key administrative decisions. Recent flashpoints include:

• Delayed Cabinet Expansion: Promised ministerial berths for Shivakumar loyalists remain pending.
• Bureaucratic Favoritism: Accusations that Siddaramaiah is prioritizing his own aides in top postings.
• Lok Sabha Election Pressure: With 2024 polls approaching, Shivakumar’s backers argue Karnataka needs a stronger leader to counter the BJP.

Congress High Command’s Tough Choice

The party’s central leadership faces a dilemma—retaining Siddaramaiah ensures stability, but sidelining Shivakumar risks alienating a key strategist. Possible outcomes:

✔ Status Quo: Siddaramaiah stays CM with concessions to Shivakumar.
✔ Rotational CM: A 2.5-year power-sharing deal, similar to Chhattisgarh.
✔ National Role for Shivakumar: Elevating him to the AICC to ease tensions.

BJP Seizes Opportunity

The BJP, still recovering from its 2023 defeat, is capitalizing on the infighting. State chief B.Y. Vijayendra mocked the Congress as a “government of compromises,” hinting at potential instability.

What’s Next for Karnataka?

With Lok Sabha elections nearing, the Congress must resolve this rift swiftly. Shivakumar’s Delhi move signals he won’t settle for less—whether that means a bigger state role or a national position remains to be seen.

For now, Karnataka’s political chessboard is in play, and every move counts.

(Follow us for live updates on this developing story.)