BENGALURU: The Congress high command’s decision to summon chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar to New Delhi has set the stage for a crucial round of negotiations aimed at ending Karnataka’s simmering leadership crisis.At the heart of the dispute is an assurance said to have been given to Shivakumar in 2023 — a “word” that party insiders say now threatens to become the decisive factor.
According to multiple senior Congress functionaries familiar with the developments, a verbal understanding was reached soon after the 2023 assembly elections. The reported pact involved Siddaramaiah occupying the chief minister’s chair for two-and-a-half years and Shivakumar taking over the reins for the rest of the term. Although the arrangement was never officially acknowledged, it has resurfaced as internal tensions mount after Shivakumar disclosed recently that there was an understanding involving 5-6 leaders.A senior functionary close to the developments said, “There was an understanding. Everyone in the core committee knew that a power-sharing formula was discussed. Whether it was formalised or left as a verbal promise is what the high command must clarify now.” He added that the failure to address the issue early “left space for suspicion and pressure tactics.”Minister Priyank Kharge recently said, ” Everyone knew that there was a discussion among top leaders, but nobody knows what transpired”.Political analyst Vishwas Shetty said Shivakumar had become increasingly vocal in reminding the leadership of the alleged commitment. His recent cryptic posts emphasising the importance of keeping one’s word have gained traction within the party rank and file. “Shivakumar is sending calibrated signals. He wants the high command to acknowledge that something was promised,” he said. “Once such a message is out in the open, it becomes difficult for the leadership to pretend nothing happened,” he added.The lack of clarity over any formal agreement has pushed the crisis into an opaque zone, with each camp interpreting the 2023 discussions based on political convenience. A functionary from the Siddaramaiah camp maintained that no binding arrangement existed. “There was no written pact, no official declaration. Leadership choices were left to the high command then, and they remain so now,” he said.However, those sympathetic to Shivakumar insist the issue now extends beyond personal ambition. “If the party gives a word, it must stand by it,” said another senior Congress office-bearer. “This is not just about one leader or one post. It is about credibility. If commitments are not honoured, it becomes harder to manage the organisation in future elections.”With the party attempting to stabilise its Karnataka unit before the next election cycle begins, the high command’s handling of the crisis is being closely watched. A leader from Delhi familiar with internal discussions said the objective before them was to “cool tempers and find a politically sustainable arrangement. “The leadership does not want an open confrontation. But they also recognise that ignoring Shivakumar is no longer an option. He has ensured that the high command must respond,” he added.As both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar prepare to make their case in Delhi, the unresolved question of whether a promise was indeed made — and whether it will be honoured — hangs heavily over the talks.
