Congress Leaders Close to DK Shivakumar Rush to Delhi Amid Factional Feud
In a sudden political move, a group of Congress ministers and MLAs aligned with Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar flew to Delhi late Tuesday night. This comes amid escalating tensions within the state’s ruling party, fueled by disputes over power-sharing and portfolio allocations between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Roots of the Conflict: Siddaramaiah vs. Shivakumar Power Tussle
The Karnataka Congress, which secured a decisive victory in the 2023 elections, has long been divided between factions led by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. While Siddaramaiah, a seasoned leader, holds sway over a significant bloc of MLAs, Shivakumar—the party’s state chief and Vokkaliga strongman—commands his own loyalists.
The fragile power-sharing arrangement, where Siddaramaiah became CM and Shivakumar his deputy, now appears unstable. Recent disagreements over ministerial portfolios have intensified the rift, with Shivakumar’s camp alleging bias in allocations. The dissent became public when several of his supporters skipped a cabinet meeting.
Why Delhi? Shivakumar’s Camp Seeks High Command Intervention
Sources confirm that around 20 MLAs and a senior minister close to Shivakumar are meeting Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal in Delhi.
Analysts suggest the trip is a strategic bid to reinforce Shivakumar’s influence and demand a fairer distribution of power. Given his role in the party’s Karnataka victory, his supporters argue that sidelining him could weaken Congress ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Siddaramaiah’s Response: Downplaying the Crisis
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed reports of discord as “media hype,” but his camp is actively engaging with the high command to counterbalance Shivakumar’s push. Some insiders claim Siddaramaiah’s faction is framing the Delhi visit as a routine consultation rather than rebellion.
Congress High Command’s Challenge: Balancing Act Ahead of 2024
With Lok Sabha elections approaching, the Congress leadership faces a tough decision—mediate between the two factions or risk a public feud destabilizing the Karnataka government. Both leaders are vital: Siddaramaiah for his backward-class appeal and Shivakumar for his Vokkaliga base and organizational skills.
Options on the table include:
– Portfolio reshuffle to placate Shivakumar’s camp.
– Mediated truce to prevent further cracks.
– Leadership rejig (unlikely unless tensions escalate).
Opposition Reacts: BJP, JD(S) Seize Opportunity
The BJP has pounced on the infighting, with state chief BY Vijayendra calling it “Congress’s hidden chaos.” JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy, a Vokkaliga rival, mocked Shivakumar’s “ambitions” as the cause of unrest.
What’s Next for Karnataka Congress?
The high command’s response will shape Karnataka’s political future. A prolonged feud could erode public trust, while a swift resolution might strengthen the party’s unity before 2024.
Stay tuned for real-time updates on this developing story.
