Siddaramaiah Acknowledges Confusion as Karnataka Congress Faces Leadership Challenge

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah publicly acknowledged the ongoing leadership struggle within the state Congress party, describing the situation as one of “confusion” that only the party’s high command can resolve. Speaking in Bengaluru amid escalating tensions, Siddaramaiah allowed that lawmakers have the freedom to visit Delhi to express their views, but emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with the central leadership.

This admission comes as a wave of Congress MLAs, many loyal to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, have traveled to Delhi, purportedly to lobby for cabinet positions or leadership changes. Earlier, Shivakumar himself was spotted holding a detailed discussion with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, fueling speculation about shifting power dynamics within the party. However, Shivakumar kept a low public profile on the issue, stating that leadership matters are confined to a few senior leaders and affirming his support for Siddaramaiah presenting the next budget.

The tussle, rooted in a reported rotational power-sharing agreement between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, has been simmering since the Congress came to power in 2023. While Siddaramaiah asserts he will complete his full term, Shivakumar’s supporters have expressed growing impatience, heightening pressure on the party’s high command. The arrival of multiple MLAs in Delhi and ongoing closed-door meetings underscore the urgency for a resolution.

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Amidst the internal discord, party leaders continue to call for unity, cautioning against public disputes that could damage the government’s image. Analysts warn that prolonged uncertainty risks diverting attention from governance to internal rivalries, potentially weakening the party’s position ahead of the 2028 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

For now, the Congress government in Karnataka is navigating a delicate balance between maintaining stability and addressing the ambitions of its key leaders as it awaits clarity and direction from the central leadership. The coming weeks are expected to be critical for the future course of the state’s ruling party.

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