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Sidda, DKS back in Delhi as K''taka power struggle continues
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Published in Politics and Government on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 2:09 GMT by rediff.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
There has been speculation within state''s political circles, especially within the ruling Congress, for some time now about the CM change later this year, citing the power-sharing agreement involving incumbent Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar.
Karnataka Power Tussle Intensifies: Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar Rush to Delhi Amid Leadership Crisis
New Delhi, July 25, 2025 – The simmering power struggle within the Karnataka Congress unit has once again spilled over to the national capital, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy, DK Shivakumar, making a hurried visit to Delhi. This development comes as internal fissures in the state government threaten to undermine the party's stability just over a year after its resounding victory in the 2023 assembly elections. Sources close to the Congress high command indicate that the duo's trip is aimed at resolving escalating tensions, including demands for a leadership change and allegations of corruption that have cast a shadow over Siddaramaiah's administration.
The backdrop to this latest episode is a long-standing rivalry between Siddaramaiah, a seasoned politician from the backward classes community, and DK Shivakumar, a powerful Vokkaliga leader known for his organizational prowess and financial muscle. Their competition for the chief minister's post dates back to the run-up to the 2023 polls, when the Congress high command, led by figures like Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, brokered a fragile truce by appointing Siddaramaiah as CM and Shivakumar as his deputy. However, this arrangement has been anything but smooth, with periodic flare-ups fueled by factionalism, community politics, and personal ambitions.
Recent events have exacerbated the divide. The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam, in which Siddaramaiah's family has been implicated, has become a flashpoint. Opposition parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular), have seized on the allegations to demand the CM's resignation. Siddaramaiah has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, terming the charges as politically motivated. "This is a conspiracy by the BJP to destabilize our government," he stated during a press interaction before departing for Delhi. The scandal involves alleged irregularities in land allotments, with claims that Siddaramaiah's wife benefited from compensatory sites worth crores. The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated a probe, adding pressure on the CM to clear his name.
DK Shivakumar, meanwhile, has been positioning himself as a viable alternative. His supporters argue that as the state Congress president and a key architect of the party's 2023 victory, he deserves a shot at the top job. Shivakumar's camp has been vocal about the need for "power sharing" or even a rotational CM formula, a demand that echoes the pre-election discussions. "DKS has sacrificed a lot for the party. It's time for fairness," said a close aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. Shivakumar himself has been more circumspect, publicly affirming his loyalty to the high command while subtly highlighting his contributions, such as mobilizing resources during the floods and managing party finances.
The Delhi visit is not just a routine consultation; it underscores the high command's growing concern over the Karnataka unit's infighting, which could jeopardize the party's prospects in upcoming local body elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls' aftermath. Both leaders are expected to meet with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary KC Venugopal, and possibly Rahul Gandhi. Insiders reveal that the agenda includes discussions on stabilizing the government, addressing the MUDA controversy, and quelling demands from various factions for more representation in the cabinet.
This power struggle is deeply intertwined with Karnataka's complex caste dynamics. Siddaramaiah draws support from the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) coalition, a bloc he has nurtured over decades. In contrast, Shivakumar represents the influential Vokkaliga community, which forms a significant vote bank in southern Karnataka. The rivalry has led to proxy battles, such as the recent push by some MLAs for additional deputy CM posts to accommodate leaders from Lingayat and other communities. For instance, Home Minister G Parameshwara, a Dalit leader, and Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna have publicly advocated for such expansions, arguing it would ensure broader representation and prevent any single faction from dominating.
The ongoing tussle has also exposed vulnerabilities in the Congress's governance model. Despite implementing popular schemes like the Gruha Jyothi (free electricity) and Anna Bhagya (food security), the government has faced criticism for fiscal mismanagement and delays in development projects. The BJP, under state president BY Vijayendra, has been relentless in its attacks, organizing protests and calling for a CBI inquiry into the MUDA scam. "The Congress is imploding due to its own greed for power," Vijayendra remarked in a recent rally in Bengaluru.
Historically, such internal conflicts are not new to Karnataka Congress. The party has witnessed similar episodes, like the 2019 collapse of the HD Kumaraswamy-led coalition government due to defections and infighting. Analysts point out that the current situation mirrors that period, with whispers of horse-trading and potential cross-voting in the assembly. However, the high command's intervention has often been the saving grace, as seen in how it managed the post-2023 leadership selection.
Beyond the immediate crisis, the power struggle has broader implications for the national Congress. Karnataka remains one of the party's few strongholds in the south, and any instability could embolden the BJP's narrative of Congress being a divided house. Rahul Gandhi, during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, had emphasized unity, but ground realities in states like Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh suggest otherwise. Political observers believe that if the high command opts for a leadership change, it could alienate Siddaramaiah's base, while sticking with him might further frustrate Shivakumar's ambitions, potentially leading to defections.
In Delhi, the meetings are shrouded in secrecy, but leaks suggest a multi-pronged approach: strengthening anti-corruption measures, reshuffling the cabinet to include more Shivakumar loyalists, and possibly appointing a new state party chief to balance equations. Siddaramaiah, known for his administrative acumen, is likely to present a defense dossier on the MUDA issue, backed by legal opinions. Shivakumar, on the other hand, may leverage his role in the party's national strategy, including fundraising for upcoming elections.
The visit has also sparked speculation about external influences. Some reports indicate that the BJP's central leadership is monitoring the situation closely, hoping to capitalize on any fallout. Meanwhile, regional players like the JD(S), now allied with the BJP, are watching from the sidelines, with HD Deve Gowda's family maintaining a studied silence.
As the duo engages in backroom negotiations, the people of Karnataka are left wondering about the government's focus. With issues like drought relief, urban infrastructure, and unemployment demanding attention, the power play risks derailing development. "Politics should serve the people, not personal egos," opined a Bengaluru-based activist, echoing public sentiment.
The outcome of these Delhi deliberations could redefine Karnataka's political landscape. If resolved amicably, it might reinforce Congress's hold; if not, it could lead to a protracted crisis, benefiting the opposition. For now, all eyes are on the high command's decision, as Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar navigate this high-stakes game of thrones.
In a related development, several MLAs from both camps have accompanied the leaders to Delhi, signaling the depth of factional involvement. One such MLA, speaking off the record, expressed optimism: "The party is bigger than individuals. We'll find a way forward." Yet, skepticism abounds, with critics arguing that temporary patches won't address the root causes of discord.
The MUDA scandal, in particular, has drawn parallels to past corruption cases in the state, such as the mining scams under BJP rule. Siddaramaiah's government has countered by highlighting its anti-corruption drives, including probes into previous administrations. However, the opposition's narrative has gained traction, especially on social media, where hashtags like #ResignSiddaramaiah are trending.
Shivakumar's Delhi sojourn also coincides with his personal legal battles, including Enforcement Directorate cases related to money laundering. His resilience in the face of these challenges has bolstered his image as a fighter, endearing him to party workers.
As the day unfolds, more details are expected to emerge from the Congress headquarters. Whether this visit quells the storm or fans the flames remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Karnataka's power struggle is far from over, and its ripples could affect the national political equation.
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