Karnataka leadership tussle: Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar await High Command call

The leadership tussle within Karnataka Congress has intensified as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar await a decision from the party’s high command regarding the Chief Minister’s post. Speaking during his visit to Belagavi, Siddaramaiah said, “Whatever the High Command decides, that is what will happen,” signalling his readiness to abide by the party’s directive.

During the visit, Siddaramaiah also revealed that he had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding tur dal , while noting that there had been no discussion on the government’s five guarantee schemes . “Yes, I have written a letter regarding tur dal. Whatever happens in the CLP meeting, is it possible to discuss it here? Can everything be told to all of you?” he added.

Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar has been actively lobbying for support among MLAs. He has met several legislators, including ministers HC Mahadevappa and Satish Jarakiholi , aiming to consolidate a majority bloc that could influence the high command’s decision. His continued outreach has kept speculation about a possible leadership change alive.

Siddaramaiah, on the other hand, is seen as enjoying support from a group of senior leaders, including BK Hariprasad, Satish Jarakiholi, MB Patil, Bhyrati Suresh, Dinesh Gundu Rao, HC Mahadevappa, and Zameer Ahmad . This faction is perceived to be backing him to continue as Chief Minister for the full five-year term, citing the mandate given by the people of Karnataka.

Despite two breakfast meetings between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar aimed at reaffirming party unity, the Congress high command, led by President Mallikarjun Kharge , has not provided any clarity on the leadership issue. Both leaders, however, have stated their willingness to follow the party’s decision once announced.

The speculation over a potential leadership change began on November 20 , when Siddaramaiah’s government completed half of its term. Siddaramaiah has consistently maintained that he will serve the full term and reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the party’s promises, including the five guarantee schemes. In contrast, Shivakumar has been pushing for a leadership change, citing a “secret agreement” among senior leaders that would allow him to take over as Chief Minister midway through the term.

As the Congress high command deliberates, the political atmosphere in Karnataka remains tense, with both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar actively working to consolidate support within the party. The final decision, expected soon, will determine the leadership trajectory for the remaining half of the state government’s term.