Bengaluru: Bengaluru’s political corridors are witnessing heightened activity as the power struggle inside Karnataka Congress intensifies. While Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar continues to deploy political strategies and number-game tactics, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s camp has launched a counter-strategy, holding back-to-back meetings to consolidate support.
A day after a high-profile dinner meeting of MLAs, senior ministers from the CM’s camp met again at Siddaramaiah’s residence today to discuss the next steps in the leadership battle.
AICC Letter Becomes Political Ammunition
The CM’s supporters have revived the May 18, 2023 AICC press note, which clearly states:
- Siddaramaiah will be the Chief Minister
- D.K. Shivakumar will be the sole Deputy CM till the Lok Sabha elections
CM’s camp is now questioning why Shivakumar continues as KPCC President even after the election cycle ended, arguing that the AICC’s written directive is being violated.
One senior Siddaramaiah loyalist, former minister Rajanna, went on record saying:
“The AICC letter clearly names Siddaramaiah as CM. It also says DKS will be lone DCM only till the Parliament elections. Why is that not being followed?”
CM’s Firm Stand: “I Will Continue for Five Years”
Recent statements by CM Siddaramaiah have further strengthened his faction’s confidence:
- “I will be Chief Minister for five years.”
- “I will present two more budgets.”
When asked again today, the CM reiterated:
“High Command has given me the responsibility. We are all working together.”
Ironically, D.K. Shivakumar himself reacted diplomatically, wishing Siddaramaiah “all the best” and saying,
“We will all work with the Chief Minister.”
CM Camp Ramps Up Counter-Strategy
Far from being passive, Siddaramaiah’s team has intensified its show of strength:
- A major strategy meeting at Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s residence
- Another extended discussion at the Chief Minister’s home today
- Ministers and MLAs queuing up to meet the CM, signaling loyalty
Today alone, key leaders including Byrathi Suresh, Satish Jarkiholi, C.P. Yogeshwar, Rizwan Arshad, Shivanand Patil, Vijay Anand Kashappanavar, Yashwant Rayagoud Patil, Yasir Pathan, and Sangamesh met Siddaramaiah.
According to insiders, discussions focused on:
- How to counter DKS’s alleged number-game
- How to pressure the High Command to intervene
- What stand to take if “power-sharing” is pushed
- How to safeguard administrative stability if leadership tensions escalate
BJP Joins the Attack
The BJP has seized on the Congress infighting, with senior leader R. Ashoka demanding clarity:
“Show dignity. Decide whether Siddaramaiah will continue or power will shift to D.K. Shivakumar. Otherwise the state will collapse under administrative confusion.”
Next Move: High Command Pressure?
Sources say Siddaramaiah’s camp is preparing to brief the Congress High Command on the “ground truth” in Karnataka, warning that delay in decision-making will harm governance.
With both factions refusing to blink, Karnataka Congress is heading toward a full-blown leadership showdown.
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