BENGALURU: The tussle for Karnataka’s chief ministerial post has intensified, with camps supporting chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar (DKS) stepping up pressure. Both leaders insist the final decision rests with the Congress high command, even as political signalling intensifies on the ground.Amid political drama both leaders were seen together on stage in an event on Friday.A day earlier, Siddaramaiah asserted that he would complete his full five-year term as CM, while Shivakumar publicly dismissed all speculation of a leadership change, saying he is “not in a hurry” and has had no discussions with senior Congress leaders on the CM post.
During his visit to Mumbai, DKS clarified that he met no national leaders.“I came only for a family function. There was no meeting. If a meeting has to happen, it will be in Bengaluru or Delhi,” he said.Speculation around a mid-term power shift continues to be fueled by the 2023 ‘power-sharing arrangement’, frequently referenced in political circles.Below are the key developments:
- Mahaswamiji backs Shivakumar, urges CM issue resolution
Spiritual leader Dr Nanjavadhutha Mahaswamiji, pontiff of the Sri Guru Gundla Brahmeshwara Mahasamsthana, said, “We had expected Siddaramaiah to become the CM in the first term. Considering his age, we thought he would be given the opportunity. The high command had promised to make him CM for at least 2.5 years. All sections of society are supporting Shivakumar. Let’s first resolve the issue there and give Shivakumar an opportunity”
- BJP’s BY Vijayendra on tussle for CM post in state
Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra took a dig at Congress, saying it would not be surprising if Karnataka Congress splits into two factions. While Vijayendra stated that the BJP has nothing to do with the “internal bickering” within the ruling Congress, he added, the state administration is being affected.
- Shettar warns Karnataka’s finances are critical
Former CM and BJP leader Jagdish Shettar says Karnataka’s financial situation is already critical and the ongoing power tussle over the CM post is going to affect it adversely.AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son, Priyank Kharge, met Shivakumar at his Bengaluru residence on Friday morning, adding curiosity to the already charged atmosphere. Priyank maintained that the high command will intervene only when necessary, and urged an end to needless speculation.“Congress was, is, and will remain united. We walk the talk,” he said.
- Vokkaliga groups rally behind DKS
Several Vokkaliga community organisations have come out openly in support of Shivakumar, with plans to write to the Congress leadership urging that he be made the CM.MLA HC Balakrishna threw his weight behind DKS, stating that the high command must step in and take a decision soon. He expressed hope that Shivakumar would eventually take oath as Chief Minister.
- Yathindra Siddaramaiah backs his father
Congress MLC and Siddaramaiah’s son, Yathindra, reiterated his support for the current CM, saying he is unaware of any power-sharing pact between his father and DKS.
- Kharge says decision will follow consultations
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge clarified that a leadership decision will be made after consultations involving central leaders, Siddaramaiah, and Shivakumar. He underscored the need for deliberation before any move is made.Leadership decision likely only in January
- Congress high command’s decision on Karnataka leadership change is likely only after January.
- The delay can be linked to CM Siddaramaiah’s personal goal of staying in office until 6 January 2026.
- Remaining in office till that date would allow Siddaramaiah to match D Devaraj Urs’ record as Karnataka’s longest-serving CM.
- Siddaramaiah sees completing a full five-year term as part of his political legacy and believes this is his last term.
- Analysts say Siddaramaiah’s Ahinda base and political journey mirror that of Urs, who championed backward-class empowerment.
- Both leaders draw strength from the same Ahinda social coalition and have a history of rivalry despite jointly winning the 2023 election.
