The escalating leadership turmoil within the Karnataka Congress unit has drawn sharp intervention from the party's central leadership, with All India Congress Committee (AICC) president Mallikarjun Kharge asserting that the impasse over the Chief Minister's position will be addressed decisively. Kharge emphasized that consultations with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi would guide the resolution, underscoring the high command's pivotal role in stabilizing the state government amid mounting internal discord.

At the heart of the crisis lies a protracted power struggle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, fueled by Shivakumar's renewed claims to the top post under a purported 2023 power-sharing agreement. Shivakumar's recent maneuvers, including outreach to legislators and ministers aligned with Siddaramaiah, have heightened tensions, prompting the central leadership to convene urgent deliberations. Sources indicate that these developments have escalated speculation about a potential leadership transition, threatening the unity of the Congress government in the southern state.

Kharge, addressing the brewing conflict, remarked that the high command—comprising himself, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi—would convene to deliberate and prescribe the necessary "medicine" for the ailing situation. "What medicine should be given will be given accordingly," he stated, signaling a firm commitment to restoring order while critiquing the internal dynamics at play in Karnataka. This metaphorical assurance comes as the party grapples with broader challenges, including its recent electoral setback in Bihar and ongoing concerns over backward classes representation.

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Key stakeholders have responded with measured optimism regarding the impending high command meetings scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Delhi. Priyank Kharge, a Karnataka minister and the AICC president's son, confirmed that discussions would encompass the leadership crisis alongside national party issues, promising a swift end to the prevailing confusion. Meanwhile, Shivakumar reiterated his deference to the central leadership's verdict, prioritizing party cohesion over personal ambitions and denying the existence of factions within the ranks.

The Karnataka impasse, marked by parallel Constitution Day events attended separately by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, highlights deeper fissures that could undermine the Congress's governance agenda. With Siddaramaiah's aides publicly advocating for his continuation and Shivakumar offering concessions on his deputy role, the high command's intervention carries significant implications for the state's political landscape, potentially reshaping alliances and ensuring the party's electoral viability in future contests.

Also Read: 'High Command Must Decide’: Siddaramaiah Signals Delhi to End Karnataka Turmoil