A brewing conflict within the Karnataka Congress is coming to the forefront as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar’s factions have differences over the upcoming self-respecting convention in Hassan, set for December 5. Initially planned to hold
the Exploited Classes Alliance (ECA) under Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the event has now turned into a battleground for control between the two key leaders, with DK Shivakumar asserting his authority and making significant changes to the convention’s format.
The initial plan for the Hassan convention was led by the Exploited Classes Alliance, an influential platform within the Congress, which aimed to hold the event to highlight the self-respect of the party’s working-class base. However, as the date neared, it became clear that a deeper conflict was unfolding within the Congress ranks. The Siddaramaiah camp envisioned the event as an opportunity to showcase the CM’s strength and leadership, especially after allegations surrounding the Muda scam. The convention, they argued, would be a response to the damage done to Siddaramaiah’s reputation, presenting him as a champion of the party’s values.
But DK Shivakumar’s camp, sensing an opportunity to assert control, raised objections to the convention held solely by the Exploited Classes Alliance. The Deputy CM, who has long had his own political ambitions, wrote to the Congress high command, insisting that the event be held on the official party platform. In response, the high command intervened and ordered the convention to be a joint event conducted under the auspices of both the ECA and the Congress party.
DK Shivakumar takes over and alters the convention format
Following the high command’s instructions, DK Shivakumar swiftly took charge of the event, making several key changes. One of the most notable alterations was the rebranding of the event under the banner of the Congress party, with the new name emphasizing Congress, Congress CM, and Congress Guarantee. This rebranding of the event was seen as a clear move by Shivakumar to assert party control, sidelining Siddaramaiah’s faction.
Shivakumar’s actions sent a strong signal that he was now in control of the convention’s direction, much to the disappointment of Siddaramaiah’s supporters. The CM’s camp had originally envisioned the event as a demonstration of Siddaramaiah’s leadership, not as a platform for party unity. It is now clear that the two factions within the Congress party — Siddaramaiah’s camp, which has a stronghold in the Old Mysore region, and Shivakumar’s camp, which is more prominent in the state’s southern and central parts — are on a collision course.
A preparatory meeting divides the party further
On December 1, DK Shivakumar held a preparatory meeting for the Hassan convention, but notably, none of the ministers closely associated with Siddaramaiah attended the session. Instead, these ministers, responsible for organizing the convention in Hassan, held a separate preparatory meeting in Mysore, further fuelling speculation about the growing divide.
In a statement to the media after the meeting, Shivakumar asserted that there was no confusion regarding the event’s leadership. He firmly stated, “The Hassan convention will be held under the party’s banner. Siddaramaiah is the CM of the Congress party, not of the coalition government. We have spoken to AICC leaders about this. We are organizing this program for the benefit of the people, and the people have given their answer to the false allegations against the government. I will organize similar programs in all districts. The Congress party and its leadership are unified in this effort.”
Shivakumar’s comments were a direct rebuttal to any suggestions that Siddaramaiah’s faction had a greater claim to the convention. The DCM emphasised the importance of presenting a unified party front and aligning the event with Congress’s values of one party, one symbol.
Factional Politics Resurfaces
The Hassan convention has become a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the two leaders. Earlier, the factions led by Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had clashed openly over the issue of sharing the Chief Minister’s post. Both sides made public accusations, which created a rift in the party. The Congress’s high command intervened to cool tensions, calling for both leaders to maintain discipline and refrain from making public statements. However, the events surrounding the Hassan convention suggest that factional politics in the Karnataka Congress are far from over.
The rivalry between the two leaders has reached new heights, and the Hassan convention, initially intended as a display of strength, has become the stage for a fierce political contest. As Congress’s high command attempts to manage the situation, the growing dissent within the party is becoming increasingly difficult to contain.
What lies ahead for Congress in Karnataka?
The changing dynamics of the Hassan convention highlight the complex power struggles within the Congress in Karnataka, especially between two of its most influential leaders. The political tension between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar raises serious questions about party unity and presenting a cohesive front ahead of the next state elections.
As December 5 approaches, all eyes will be on Hassan to see how the convention unfolds. Will the Congress be able to come together and move forward with a unified strategy, or will the internal dissidence continue to hamper its prospects in the state? The outcome of this political contest will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of Karnataka’s Congress party.
