Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s position remains secure, with Congress sources confirming his job is “not currently in danger” due to strong backing from over 100 of the party’s 137 MLAs and his influence among Ahinda communities and OBC voters. Any leadership change would require his consent, making an immediate switch nearly impossible despite mounting pressure from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Shivakumar’s camp recently petitioned party president Mallikarjun Kharge in Delhi, but sources say his bid lacks sufficient internal support. Though he commands loyalty from the powerful Vokkaliga community—including public backing from religious leaders and threats of protests from Vokkaliga groups—numbers inside the Congress still favour Siddaramaiah, delaying any power transition.

Congress president Kharge has warned Rahul Gandhi to resolve the crisis before the Assembly’s winter session begins on December 8, fearing a divided party will hand the BJP an opening to destabilise one of the Congress’s few remaining governments. The opposition is already preparing a no-confidence motion, with senior BJP leaders openly discussing the government’s internal paralysis.

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Subtle public barbs between the two leaders escalated Thursday when Shivakumar alluded to a past “power-sharing agreement,” only for Siddaramaiah to retort on social media that only actions that improve people’s lives constitute real power, while reminding everyone that Karnataka gave the Congress a full five-year mandate under his leadership.

For now, the party appears inclined to maintain status quo, possibly delaying a cabinet reshuffle and asking Shivakumar to wait. Sources indicate that unless a compromise emerges—such as an interim Chief Minister like G Parameshwara—the Congress will avoid a risky leadership change that could cost it the state.

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