Shivakumar confirms ‘secret deal’ amid Karnataka leadership tussle

Bengaluru – A sharp political turn on Tuesday as Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar openly acknowledged a “secret deal” linked to the chief minister’s post. He made the remark during his visit to Kanakapura, and he carefully framed his words to avoid embarrassing his party. Yet, his admission reignited the long-running debate on power sharing inside Karnataka’s Congress government.

Shivakumar began by addressing his supporters. He said five or six senior Congress leaders struck a private understanding on the leadership issue in March 2023. He added that he chooses silence because he does not want to weaken the party. Even so, he said the deal exists, and his acknowledgment fuelled new political speculation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took a sharper line in Bengaluru. He urged the high command to “take a decision” and end confusion inside the government. His statement marked a shift from his earlier position. For months, he insisted he would complete a full five-year term. However, after a late-night meeting with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on November 22, he changed his tone. He now says the high command will decide on the leadership question.

To give context, the power-sharing buzz began soon after the Congress swept the Karnataka Assembly elections in March 2023. People familiar with the matter say the agreement took shape at Kharge’s residence. They say Kharge, Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar, K.C. Venugopal, and Randeep Surjewala discussed a rotation plan. According to these accounts, the understanding included a possible transfer of the chief minister’s post after two-and-a-half years.

Since then, pressure has grown from both sides. Siddaramaiah’s camp denies the existence of any transfer deal. They say the chief minister earned his mandate and should continue. Shivakumar’s supporters insist the party must honour its promise. They also say Shivakumar remains loyal to the Gandhi family and will not trigger rebellion, even if he grows impatient.

Congress president Kharge attempted to calm the situation. Speaking in Bengaluru, he said leadership matters cannot be discussed openly. He said he came for Constitution Day events and would hold review meetings before addressing organisational issues. His message aimed to slow down the political chatter without dismissing the underlying tensions.

As questions intensified, reporters asked Siddaramaiah about MLAs travelling to Delhi to lobby the leadership. He responded firmly. He said legislators have the right to express their views. He added that only the high command can settle the issue and restore clarity. He also stressed that the leadership must act to stop confusion once and for all.

Back in Kanakapura, Shivakumar kept his tone disciplined. He said he never demanded the chief minister’s chair. He repeated that his loyalty lies with the party and its workers. He said he will follow his conscience and avoid actions that harm the government’s stability.

Even so, insiders say Shivakumar commands strong support within the legislature party. They say he believes the Congress must keep its word while ensuring Siddaramaiah remains relevant within the organisation if a transition happens.

For now, the Congress leadership faces pressure from all sides. The party must address governance challenges while managing internal expectations. With both leaders asserting their positions more clearly than before, the power equation in Karnataka stands at a decisive moment.