A fresh wave of political uncertainty has gripped Karnataka as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s scheduled visit to Delhi has intensified speculation over a continuing leadership tussle within the ruling Congress party between him and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. The visit comes at a time when internal differences within the state unit have once again surfaced, drawing attention from both state and national leadership.

Siddaramaiah, accompanied by several cabinet colleagues and close aides, is heading to the national capital for a meeting whose agenda has not been officially disclosed to him, according to his own statement. The 77-year-old Chief Minister said he has been “summoned to Delhi” and added that he is unaware of the specific issues to be discussed. His remarks have further fuelled political chatter that the Congress high command may be preparing to review Karnataka’s leadership structure amid ongoing internal tensions.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is not part of the Delhi delegation, has remained cautious in his public response. He has stated that he would travel to Delhi only if formally called by the party leadership and reiterated that decisions regarding the Chief Minister’s post rest entirely with the Congress high command. However, his earlier cryptic comments and support from a section of party workers have continued to keep speculation alive within political circles.

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The leadership dispute between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar is widely believed to stem from an informal power-sharing understanding reached after the Congress formed the government in 2023. The arrangement reportedly suggested a rotational leadership model after two and a half years in office, though it was never publicly confirmed by the party. As the government crossed this informal milestone, pressure from both camps has increased, with each side asserting its relevance within the party’s state framework.

Over the past year, the Congress leadership has attempted to manage the internal friction through multiple rounds of discussions and public displays of unity between the two leaders. Joint appearances and reconciliatory meetings were previously used to project stability, but recent developments—including public displays by Shivakumar supporters calling him the “Next CM”—have reignited tensions. Party observers say these signals have once again brought the question of succession into the spotlight.

Despite the ongoing speculation, Siddaramaiah continues to hold a strong position within the state legislature, reportedly enjoying the support of a large majority of Congress MLAs. His experience, electoral appeal, and backing among key social groups remain significant factors in his favour. At the same time, multiple possibilities are reportedly being evaluated by the party high command, including leadership continuity, role restructuring within the cabinet, or even a possible transition of power depending on internal consensus.

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