Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's recent meeting with Congress MLAs, without the presence of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, has reignited discussions about factionalism within the state's ruling party. This comes amidst ongoing speculation regarding a potential change in leadership, with Shivakumar being seen as a contender for the Chief Minister's post.
The meeting, held at Vidhana Soudha, centered on the allocation of ₹50 crore development grants to each constituency. These grants were announced following discussions between Congress Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala and party MLAs. However, Shivakumar's absence raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about a deepening rift between the two leaders.
Sources indicate that the Congress high command had advised both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to involve all legislators in discussions, particularly those who were unhappy with fund distribution and regional disparities. Despite this advice, Siddaramaiah proceeded with the meeting without Shivakumar, leaving some MLAs feeling "anxious".
Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the Chief Minister's decision, stating that similar meetings had been held in the past. He also suggested that Shivakumar might have been absent due to illness or a prior departmental meeting. However, this explanation was met with skepticism, further adding to the perception of a rift.
This isn't the first instance of Shivakumar being seemingly sidelined by Siddaramaiah. Earlier in the year, during budget meetings, Siddaramaiah reportedly chaired sessions with political secretaries without including Shivakumar. Additionally, the decision to hold MLA consultations in Siddaramaiah's chamber, rather than the usual Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, has been interpreted by some party insiders as a deliberate attempt to assert control and sideline Shivakumar.
In response to being kept out of the MLA meetings, D.K. Shivakumar downplayed the situation, stating that it was within the Chief Minister's purview to hold such meetings. He dismissed any reports of displeasure and emphasized that the Chief Minister was addressing issues raised by AICC General Secretary R.S. Surjewala. Shivakumar also countered the BJP's claims of neglect, urging them to resolve their own internal conflicts first.
The exclusion of Shivakumar from the MLA meeting has brought the undercurrents of a potential power struggle to the surface. There has been ongoing speculation about an unwritten agreement that Siddaramaiah would serve as Chief Minister for the first two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar would take over. With Siddaramaiah approaching this milestone in November 2025, the issue of a change in guard is becoming increasingly contentious.
Some believe that Siddaramaiah is consolidating his position and intends to serve a full term, leaving Shivakumar's camp "testy". Others question whether Shivakumar has the mass appeal necessary to lead both the government and the party unit. Congress now faces the challenge of acting decisively to prevent internal tensions from affecting governance and public perception.
The meetings are an attempt to address concerns of MLAs and come after AICC general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala advised Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to engage with MLAs individually.
The political implications of these events are significant. The Congress party needs to maintain stability, particularly with upcoming elections. Openly displaying a united front is crucial. However, the perceived sidelining of Shivakumar and the ongoing rumors of a leadership change contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty and fuel the opposition's narrative of a divided house. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the Congress can effectively manage its internal dynamics and maintain a cohesive government in Karnataka.
