Ambiguity over chief minister post deepens internal divide in Karnataka Congress | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: The Congress party in Karnataka is heading into a critical phase as internal tensions between chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar escalate, raising concerns about the stability of the state govt and the party’s long-term prospects.At the heart of the conflict is the unresolved issue of a change of guard. An unwritten understanding is believed to have been reached when Congress formed the govt in May 2023 — that Siddaramaiah would serve as chief minister for two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar would take over. If honoured, this transition would take place in Nov this year.However, with no official word from the party high command and no signs of preparation for a handover, the issue is becoming increasingly contentious. Both functionaries remain indispensable to the party in Karnataka — Siddaramaiah with his Ahinda (backward classes, minorities and Dalits) clout and administrative experience, and Shivakumar with his fundraising abilities and control over the party organisation.Buoyed by loyal support, Siddaramaiah is showing no signs of stepping aside. Instead, he is consolidating his position and intends to serve a full term, sources say. This has left Shivakumar’s camp testy. The latest face-off was the transfer of engineers from the water resources department which he oversees. Shivakumar’s decision to record his displeasure in writing marks a significant shift. Sources say the move signals a deliberate attempt to assert his position.“The fact that he put it in writing is a message to the party,” said a senior Congress functionary. “He’s not going to remain passive as the CM strengthens his grip.”It is said Shivakumar views the reassignments as an effort to weaken his administrative authority. The timing of the rift too is significant. With the Muda site allotment case — in which Siddaramaiah’s wife is involved — still under investigation, Shivakumar’s camp sees a narrowing window to press for a change at the helm. Although Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, the case has dented his moral authority in some quarters.“Siddaramaiah believes these developments are part of a larger plan to push him out. His focus now is to prove that his leadership remains strong and that he can withstand political and personal attacks,” said an MLA from Bengaluru.The party high command is under pressure to take a clear stand. With reports pouring in from both camps, central brass will have to decide whether to enforce the unwritten pact of a mid-term transition, or back Siddaramaiah for a full term. Some in the party have questioned whether Shivakumar has the mass appeal necessary to lead both the govt and party unit. “Shivakumar has a strong organisational base, especially among Vokkaligas, but has not yet emerged as a statewide mass leader,” said a party strategist. “The high command will take this into account before making any decision.”Congress is at a crossroads. If central brass delays a decision, it could inflame tensions, potentially destabilising the govt. But a change at the helm could provoke resistance from Siddaramaiah’s camp and fracture the party’s support base. “Unless the high command intervenes with a clear roadmap, this cold war could escalate into a full-blown crisis,” a senior party functionary said. “Shivakumar played a key role in bringing the party to the helm. His aspirations must be addressed, but timing and strategy will be crucial.” With local body elections and possible bypolls on the horizon, the transition question is likely to shape the party’s electoral readiness and internal cohesion.Party must set out a clear roadmap: AnalystsPolitical observers warn that the party’s indecision could result in long-term damage. “If the issue of a transition is not decisively resolved, it will lead to deeper wrangling,” said Sandeep Shastri, political analyst. “Unwritten power-sharing agreements are inherently unstable. Congress needs to act before the rift begins to affect governance and public perception.”Prof Harish Ramaswamy, who tracks politics, said: “Indecisiveness has become the hallmark of Congress. This is leading to a political crisis within the party and amongst their top functionaries. In Karnataka’s case, the time has come for the high command to clearly indicate who would be the next chief minister and when. If this is not announced, it might harm unity in the party, which is already delicately poised. Shivakumar appears determined to take charge and would not like to be disappointed.