Karnataka Congress power tussle for CM post intensifies

The internal struggle within Karnataka’s Congress over the chief minister’s post has intensified, with renewed speculation that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar may challenge incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for leadership. Acknowledgement of the crisis came from the party’s central leadership when Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said he and other senior leaders would meet to “fix it”.

Shivakumar earlier issued a social media post that observers widely interpreted as a veiled statement of intent. He wrote: "Word power is world power. The biggest force in the world is to keep one’s word," adding, "be it a judge, president or anyone else, including myself, everyone has to walk the talk."

Deputy CM acknowledges secret deal talks

When asked about reports of a pre-election power-sharing agreement, Shivakumar did not refute the possibility outright. While speaking at his home constituency, Kanakapura, on 25 November, he told reporters: “I don’t know. I have not asked to be made CM. It is a secret deal between five and six of us … I don’t want to speak publicly on this.”

He also seemed to divide responsibility for the decision, insisting the leadership question should remain with the party high command. “If the party is there, we are there,” he said.

Despite the rumours and leaks of legislators travelling to Delhi to press for his elevation, Shivakumar claimed ignorance of any such drive.

BJP-aligned sections, community voices join friction

Supporters of Shivakumar have sought external endorsements. A pontiff from a Vokkaliga institution reportedly urged the high command to honour the alleged pre-poll power-sharing agreement and name Shivakumar as CM, arguing that failure to do so would disappoint many devotees.

Meanwhile, internal pressure has increased amid murmurs from other leaders seeking ministerial berths. Some MLAs, after reportedly lobbying for change, have claimed dissatisfaction with the current power balance, adding to the impression that factional undercurrents may surface if the top job does not change hands.

Nonetheless, despite the pressure, senior leadership in Congress has yet to announce any reshuffle or formal decision, underlining institutional indecision.