A fresh wave of political maneuvering has gripped Karnataka as a third group of Congress Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) loyal to Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have arrived in Delhi, intensifying the power struggle within the state's ruling party. This development puts further pressure on the Congress high command to address the long-speculated power-sharing arrangement between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

The arrival of these MLAs in Delhi follows previous visits by other groups supporting Shivakumar, who are reportedly seeking a change in leadership. These actions are seen as a move to ensure that the "promise made 2.5 years back" is honored, alluding to a rumored agreement where Shivakumar would take over as Chief Minister after Siddaramaiah completed half of the government's term. The Karnataka government recently crossed this halfway mark, further fueling the speculation.

Sources suggest that the latest group of approximately six to eight legislators arrived in the capital overnight and are requesting an urgent meeting with the Congress high command. Among those who traveled to Delhi previously are MLAs like Dinesh Gooligowda and Ravi Ganiga.

Amidst these developments, Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar has stated that he is unaware of any MLAs traveling to Delhi. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, after meeting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, conveyed that he would abide by the high command's decision and expects everyone else to do the same. However, he dismissed the talk of leadership change as media speculation. Kharge himself addressed the media, stating that the high command will make the final decision on the matter.

The opposition BJP has seized the opportunity to criticize the Congress, with BJP MLA Suresh Kumar questioning the authority within the Congress party and remarking on Kharge's statement, "If Congress Party National President is NOT the High Command, then who else!". BJP leader R. Ashoka commented on the situation, claiming that there was an agreement for 2.5 years.

The current political climate revives the long-standing question of a power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar that has been circulating since the formation of the Congress government in May 2023. While reports suggested a rotational Chief Minister arrangement, the Congress party has never officially confirmed it.

The increased activity and movement of MLAs indicate a growing unease within the Karnataka Congress ranks, with various factions vying for influence and positioning themselves for potential leadership changes. The coming days are crucial as the Congress high command is expected to deliberate on the matter and make a decision that will likely shape the future of the party and the government in Karnataka.