Karnataka Deputy CM hosts dinner amid congress leadership speculations

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar met with over 30 Congress legislators, including ministers, for a dinner late Thursday night, party sources said. Ministers K.H. Muniyappa, Mankal Vaidya, Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, and MLAs N.A. Haris, Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, H.C. Balakrishna, Ganesh Hukkeri, Darshan Dhruvanarayana, Ashok Kumar Rai, and K.Y. Nanjegowda were among those present. Expelled BJP MLAs S.T. Somashekhar and Shivaram Hebbar also attended the gathering.

The dinner comes amid ongoing speculation about a leadership tussle within the ruling party. Congress leaders have been quietly navigating a power-sharing arrangement between CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar, believed to have been agreed upon after the 2023 Assembly elections. Both leaders reportedly met at each other’s residences on high-command instructions, signaling a temporary pause in any overt contestation ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.

Though described as a casual dinner by party sources, the meeting is seen as an opportunity for Shivakumar to consolidate support among legislators and signal party cohesion amid speculation over a potential change in chief minister. Political analysts also suggest that such gatherings, especially with legislators from different factions and expelled MLAs, might hint at the possible emergence of a new party or faction in the state.

Adding to the political backdrop, Siddaramaiah’s election from the Varuna Assembly constituency in Mysuru district is currently under judicial scrutiny. A petition filed by voter K. Shankara challenges the CM’s win, alleging that Congress’ election promises, termed the “five guarantees,” constituted corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act. The Karnataka High Court had earlier dismissed the petition, and the Supreme Court has now issued a notice to Siddaramaiah seeking his response.

With internal party maneuvering, speculation about new political formations, and legal challenges unfolding simultaneously, Congress in Karnataka faces a crucial period as it approaches the mid-term mark of its five-year tenure.