Amid growing discontent and allegations of maladministration in Karnataka, the Congress high command is actively reviewing the leadership structure within the state. The future of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the role of Deputy CM and KPCC President DK Shivakumar are under the scanner, as the party grapples with internal dissent, caste calculations, and upcoming political milestones.

The review has gained momentum following a recent visit by AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala to Bengaluru. Alongside Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, the leadership held closed-door discussions with key state players, including Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.

The buzz around potential leadership change stems from a combination of political missteps, including the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, corruption allegations in MUDA and the Valmiki Development Corporation, and controversies surrounding housing allotments. According to party insiders, these were red flags raised during the central review.

Shivakumar’s Dual Role Under Scrutiny

Since 2020, DK Shivakumar has held the dual responsibilities of Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC President, representing the influential Vokkaliga community. However, many within the party now argue that KPCC needs a full-time, grassroots leader, especially ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.

Satish Jarkiholi, a strong AHINDA (Minorities, Backward Classes, Dalits) leader, has emerged as a prominent contender. Representing the ST community, Jarkiholi’s elevation would be historic as the Congress has never appointed a tribal leader to head the KPCC.

Jarkiholi has been vocal about his aspirations, stating that the party requires an organisational leader who can counter the BJP's strategy effectively in Karnataka. He is said to have held meetings with Surjewala and expressed his vision for leading the party into the next elections.

Lingayat Support for Eshwar Khandre

Alongside Jarkiholi, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, a prominent Lingayat face, is also in contention. Congress strategists are reportedly exploring caste equations, trying to strike a balance between representation and leadership credibility. While the Congress has had Lingayat and Vokkaliga KPCC presidents in the past, the ST leadership vacuum is now drawing attention.

The caste factor is central to this debate. The Congress in Karnataka has a history of appointing leaders from dominant social groups, and the demand now is to broaden that representation to include marginalized communities.

Divided House: Internal Rifts in Congress Emerge

Recent statements by Congress leaders have exposed internal fault lines. Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna recently claimed that Jarkiholi would soon take charge as KPCC president, which Jarkiholi later downplayed. However, party sources confirmed that discussions were underway at the highest levels of the AICC.

A senior Congress MLA told News18, “There’s confusion within the cadre. Groups are forming, and leaders are making open statements. This ambiguity is hurting us more than helping.”

Insiders also confirmed that a note from AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, circulated after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, indicated that the KPCC post would be reassessed post-elections. However, no official decision has been communicated to date.

Siddaramaiah vs Shivakumar: Uneasy Coexistence?

Siddaramaiah, despite his administrative experience and social justice credentials, faces criticism over governance lapses and ministerial indiscipline. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar is seen by some as too involved in power politics, compromising his ability to lead the party’s organisational affairs effectively.

Their power-sharing arrangement has long been the subject of speculation, especially after the Congress’s 2023 Assembly win, which was marked by intense lobbying for the CM post.

Jarkiholi’s Pitch: AHINDA Power Bloc Mobilised

Jarkiholi is believed to have garnered support from over 50 MLAs, primarily from the AHINDA grouping, which was once the backbone of Siddaramaiah's political strength. However, Jarkiholi’s rise signals a potential realignment within this bloc, one that may tilt the balance of power in the party.

During a recent meeting with Surjewala, Jarkiholi is said to have urged that opinions from all 140 Congress MLAs should be sought before finalising any KPCC leadership changes. He reportedly stated that if Shivakumar was to continue, the party must make it official, and if not, a new face must be announced quickly to reduce confusion.

Shivakumar Reacts Strongly

DK Shivakumar has rejected the idea of leadership through lobbying or media pressure, stating, “Can anyone get a post through the media? You can’t get it from the media or a shop. It is given as a reward for the work we do.”

This was a direct rebuttal to the growing pressure for his replacement and underlines the deep-rooted tension within the party.

The Road Ahead for Karnataka Congress

The Congress central leadership faces a delicate situation. Any decision to replace the Chief Minister or appoint a new KPCC President must factor in caste balance, regional representation, and public perception. More importantly, it must minimize internal friction and unite the cadre in the run-up to the next state elections.

The 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections, though three years away, are already looming large over the party's strategy. A leadership shake-up now may either stabilize the party or deepen internal rivalries, depending on how the transition is handled.

Conclusion

As Karnataka Congress stands at a political crossroads, the high command must navigate a complex landscape of caste equations, leadership ambitions, and administrative credibility. Whether Siddaramaiah retains his position or Shivakumar is replaced, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the party's electoral future in the state. The next few weeks could redefine the power structure of Congress in Karnataka, making this one of the most closely watched political developments in the region.

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