Bengaluru: The Congress in Karnataka is once again witnessing internal tremors — this time triggered by talk of leadership change, cabinet reshuffle, and KPCC reorganisation. The statements made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over the last 48 hours have added fresh fuel to an already simmering debate over “succession politics.”
While speaking at an event organised by Bihar-origin residents in Bengaluru, D.K. Shivakumar made a politically loaded remark:
“If the Mahagathbandhan wins in Bihar, it would be like you’ve given me every position.”
The crowd cheered him as the “next Chief Minister,” with chants of “DK Shivakumar saheb, mukhyamantri banenge!”
Political observers believe this was more than just a passing comment — it was a subtle assertion of DK’s long-held ambition for the CM chair, masked as election rhetoric.
“CM Position Not Vacant Till 2028,” Says Siddaramaiah
Reacting sharply, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah downplayed the remark, calling it “irrelevant and meaningless.”
“Anyone can make statements, but such talk holds no value. I will remain the Chief Minister till 2028 — there’s no vacancy,” he told reporters firmly.
Siddaramaiah also hinted that Delhi High Command will take the final call on all key issues including cabinet reshuffle and leadership transitions.
“The Congress High Command — Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Mallikarjun Kharge — will decide. Their decision is final,” he said, putting an end to speculation about internal power-sharing.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: Chief Minister’s proverb is back in discussion: ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಗಾದೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಚರ್ಚೆಯಲ್ಲಿ: ಡಿಕೆ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ್ ಹೇಳಿಕೆಗೆ ಸಿಎಂ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ ತಿರುಗೇಟು — ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಒಳಗಲಾಟ ತೀವ್ರ
Political Equations Behind the Scene
The timing of the verbal sparring is crucial. With the Bihar Assembly elections serving as a national political litmus test, the Congress is attempting to strengthen its organisational structure.
Party insiders say that if the Mahagathbandhan performs well in Bihar, it could embolden the AICC leadership and tilt the balance of power in favour of Delhi over regional heavyweights like Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar.
In Karnataka, that could mean tighter High Command control over cabinet decisions, and reduced room for local-level assertiveness.
Cabinet Reshuffle & Power Equations
Sources close to the CM’s office confirm that a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards soon after the Bihar elections. The move, insiders say, is part of Siddaramaiah’s larger strategy to reassert control and balance factional loyalties within the party.
When asked, the CM said,
“Let the Bihar elections conclude. We will discuss cabinet changes after that.”
Congress circles are abuzz with speculation that several ministers could be replaced or given new portfolios to strike a caste and regional balance before the 2028 polls.
“Arasu Then, Siddaramaiah Now” – Supporters’ Slogan in Mysuru
Meanwhile, in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah’s supporters have started chanting “Arasu then, Siddaramaiah now,” comparing him to late Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, who ruled for seven years and seven months.
Siddaramaiah brushed off the comparison, saying,
“Devaraj Urs was Devaraj Urs. I am who I am. Comparisons are unnecessary.”
Congress Leadership Crisis or Controlled Transition?
Though both camps publicly claim “there’s no crisis,” the undertones are clear.
D.K. Shivakumar’s assertiveness and Siddaramaiah’s firm responses indicate a deepening leadership tug-of-war beneath the surface.
For now, the High Command seems to be in no mood to rock the boat — but with 2028 elections in sight, the question remains: who will lead Karnataka Congress into the next political battle — Siddaramaiah or DK Shivakumar?
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