Siddaramaiah keeps grip on power as Congress struggles to contain Karnataka leadership rift

Bengaluru – The Congress leadership faced rising tension in Karnataka on Friday. The power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar moved into a sharper phase. The party now tries to control a conflict that has simmered since its 2023 victory. If it fails, the internal fight could damage the government and allow the BJP to strike.

Congress insiders said Siddaramaiah holds a strong advantage. They said his position remains secure because he commands support from more than 100 of the party’s 137 MLAs. He also leads the Ahinda bloc and carries influence as a major OBC figure. Therefore, any change in leadership needs his approval. The party knows it cannot force him out without risking a collapse.

However, pressure grows from the Shivakumar camp. His supporters visited party chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi last week. They demanded clarity on the power-sharing promise they believe the party made earlier. Consequently, Siddaramaiah’s planned cabinet reshuffle may face delays. He wanted the reshuffle to signal that he stays firmly in charge.

Inside the party, Shivakumar’s claim appears weaker. He draws strength from the Vokkaliga community, which helped him tilt votes away from Janata Dal (Secular) in 2023. Even so, internal support for him stays limited. Religious leaders and the Mysuru Vokkaliga Association publicly urged Siddaramaiah to hand over power peacefully. Still, the backing does not yet give Shivakumar enough momentum to push for the top post.

Meanwhile in Delhi, Kharge warned Rahul Gandhi about the rising risk. He wants the dispute settled before the Assembly’s winter session begins on December 8. He fears that a divided Congress will make the BJP’s job easier. Losing Karnataka would reduce Congress’ list of fully controlled states to just two. Kharge sees this as a blow the party cannot afford.

The BJP prepares to move fast. Senior leader Sunil Kumar confirmed on Friday that the party plans a no-confidence motion. He said Siddaramaiah confines his influence to Mysuru, while Shivakumar focuses on Delhi. He argued that the Congress government no longer inspires confidence. BJP state chief BY Vijayendra said the ruling party has lost track of governance because of internal fights.

Tension between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar rose this week. Both leaders traded subtle jabs. Then on Thursday, the tone shifted. Shivakumar said “word power becomes world power,” hinting at a deal on power-sharing. Siddaramaiah replied on X that words hold value only when they improve people’s lives. He added that the voters gave him a five-year mandate.

The Congress now stands at a crossroads. It must choose between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, unless it builds a compromise. One option being discussed is an interim Chief Minister, possibly Home Minister G Parameshwara.

For now, Siddaramaiah shows no sign of stepping down. He wants to become Karnataka’s longest-serving Chief Minister. Shivakumar, meanwhile, demands a clear timeline for a transition to the top job. The party must resolve the clash soon if it wants to keep power—and unity—intact.