Shivakumar’s CM dream on hold, but ambition burns bright | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar‘s aspiration to lead Karnataka may have hit a pause, but political undercurrents suggest his ambition to become CM burns as bright as ever. Incumbent Siddaramaiah has affirmed he will complete a full five-year term as CM, and Congress’ high command appears to have endorsed this stand — for now.Siddaramaiah’s remarks that the CM post is not vacant and that “Shivakumar has endorsed my view, and he has no backing of MLAs”, are being seen as an attempt to shut down talk of a rotational arrangement that was rumoured to take shape by the end of this year.Shivakumar too has softened his public stance, insisting “The high command will decide. I have no option but to support Siddaramaiah.” However, he has continued to drop hints that his ambition hasn’t died and political analysts believe this public calm is more strategic than sincere.“The CM’s assertion is a reflection of his eagerness to demonstrate he is in command,” said Dr Sandeep Shastri, political expert. “But the body language tells another story. The deputy CM backtracking too is a clear strategy. Here too, the body language is clear, and one needs to read between the lines. Leadership change is not an ‘if’ question but a ‘when’ question.”The high command — keen to avoid internal instability ahead of Bihar assembly polls in Nov — may have thrown its weight behind Siddaramaiah, but party sources say this truce may not last beyond the festive season.Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala are said to have urged both functionaries to maintain unity and focus on governance. Yet, shifts within the Congress Legislature Party suggest Siddaramaiah’s grip is not as firm as it was. Several ministers and MLAs once considered loyal to him are now leaning towards Shivakumar, sensing a change in the party’s future trajectory.“Claims and counterclaims are the history of political leadership and change of guard among Congressmen,” said Prof Harish Ramaswamy, a political analyst from North Karnataka. “But the high command makes the decisions. Siddaramaiah’s assertion that he will remain for five years is a myth. Shivakumar’s efforts will continue as he presents himself as a soldier of Congress. In fact, this is beneficial to him rather than giving expression to his desire and risking the post.“Ramaswamy went on to say Siddaramaiah’s actions will end in futility. “A clash of generational shifts in Congress is imminent. It always has been a conflict rather than a consensus. Therefore, Shivakumar will continue to aspire to become CM, and he will succeed soon.”Despite suspending overt lobbying, Shivakumar’s influence within the party remains substantial. With control over organisation and a role in fundraising and electioneering, his camp is quietly awaiting a more opportune moment. “Shivakumar is a fighter, but he is also pragmatic,” said a senior functionary. “He will wait for the right opportunity — perhaps after Bihar polls.”An MLA closely aligned with Siddaramaiah admitted: “Things may appear calm on the surface, but strong undercurrents remain. What Shivakumar really needs to focus on is securing the backing of over 100 MLAs. Until then, any effort to signal readiness to the high command will be futile.”