The Karnataka Congress unit finds itself caught in a simmering leadership tussle as internal factions led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar continue to engage in subtle manoeuvring for dominance, despite repeated instructions from the Congress high command to keep intra-party matters private.

Publicly, both leaders toe the party line. Siddaramaiah claims he will serve the full five-year term, while Shivakumar carefully avoids direct confrontation. But behind closed doors, the battle to control the state government’s leadership continues in earnest.

Siddaramaiah’s Position Strengthened

Siddaramaiah’s camp has received a major symbolic boost with his inclusion in the All India Congress Committee (AICC) advisory council for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The first meeting of this influential body, composed of top OBC leaders from across India, is scheduled for July 15 in Bengaluru.

This move by the high command is seen as a signal of confidence in Siddaramaiah, currently the only OBC Chief Minister in the Congress party, particularly ahead of the Bihar elections, where backward caste politics will be crucial.

Shivakumar’s Camp Still Active

Despite his public silence, DK Shivakumar’s loyalists have not abandoned the push for a leadership change. Several MLAs have voiced support for him, demanding that the alleged power-sharing pact agreed upon before the 2023 elections—where Siddaramaiah would serve only half the term—be honoured.

A senior leader close to Shivakumar said:

“The demand that there has to be a change in guard as decided as part of the power-sharing pact must be honoured. It is imminent."

Multiple Shivakumar supporters are reportedly travelling to Delhi, seeking audience with the party leadership to press their case. They insist their campaign is not dissent, but a legitimate call for internal equity.

Calls For KPCC President Change

While Shivakumar’s faction pushes for a change in Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah’s camp is advocating for a new KPCC (Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee) president. Shivakumar has held this post since July 2020, and critics within the party argue that a separation of powers is long overdue.

According to sources, Siddaramaiah’s loyalists have been lobbying the high command for nearly eight months, suggesting that having the same individual as both Deputy CM and state unit president creates unfair advantages.

High Command Steps In – But Messaging Leaks Continue

Randeep Singh Surjewala, the party’s Karnataka in-charge, has directed state leaders to refrain from making public statements. However, political messaging continues through indirect remarks, MLA statements, and media leaks.

Recently, senior Congress leader Tanveer Sait hinted at the possibility of new faces in leadership, while reiterating that these were personal views. Still, such signals are impossible to miss amid the ongoing churn.

Surjewala’s one-on-one meetings with state MLAs further fuelled speculation. The Siddaramaiah camp interpreted it as a performance review, prompting the CM to publicly reaffirm that he would stay for the full term.

Siddaramaiah Responds Strongly

Siddaramaiah has repeatedly dismissed any talk of change.

“Am I not the Chief Minister now? Where is the vacancy?" he said during a recent visit to Delhi.

He also denied any mid-term pact:

“If there was such an agreement, would I be saying I’ll remain CM for five years? This is just media speculation."

Reacting to the growing MLAs’ support for Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah said:

“One or two MLAs might have said something out of personal admiration. But that’s their view, not the party’s. Many more MLAs want me to continue."

Shivakumar’s Careful Approach

Shivakumar continues to avoid directly challenging Siddaramaiah.

“The party has given me the Deputy CM post and KPCC responsibility. I focus on fulfilling those."

When asked about CM ambitions, he said:

“Mallikarjun Kharge gave me ‘dheekshe’ (direction), and I’ve accepted it with happiness. I don’t wish to comment further."

At times, however, Shivakumar’s frustration is visible.

“When an answer has already been given, it’s not right to keep repeating it," he said.

Political Stakes For Congress

This internal power struggle comes at a critical time. Karnataka is one of the few major states where Congress holds power, and any instability could affect its national prospects.

Siddaramaiah’s support base rests on his AHINDA plank—a coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits. Removing him could risk alienating a crucial voter bloc ahead of key elections, including 2026 local polls and the 2029 general elections.

For Shivakumar, a seasoned organiser and Congress’ strongest Vokkaliga face, the Chief Minister’s post is a long-standing ambition. His camp insists it’s his turn now that the halfway mark of the government’s term is approaching.

Conclusion: A House Divided, Quietly

The Congress leadership in Karnataka remains deeply divided, even as both camps insist all is well. The tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar is a battle of ideologies, castes, ambitions, and influence, now playing out through strategic silence and coded messaging.

The Congress high command faces a delicate balancing act—how to preserve unity while managing competing power centers. The coming weeks, especially the OBC advisory council meeting on July 15, could offer fresh clues about the party's future direction in Karnataka.

Unless decisively handled, this internal churn could escalate further, risking governance paralysis in one of the party’s most vital strongholds.

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