Bengaluru: The Congress government in Karnataka appears to be heading into a phase of intense political turbulence, as signs of internal conflict and leadership calculations emerge within the ruling party. Amidst this backdrop, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to visit Karnataka in November a visit that may coincide with crucial discussions on power-sharing between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Political circles are abuzz after Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister’s son, made a controversial statement naming Satish Jarkiholi as his father’s “successor.” The remark has not only stirred political waters within the Congress but also handed a sharp political weapon to the opposition BJP, which is keenly watching the unfolding developments.
While Yathindra’s comment has sparked unease among party leaders, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is reportedly planning a cabinet reshuffle an apparent move to consolidate his position within the government and balance growing factional pressures. Sources suggest Siddaramaiah may expand or reshuffle his cabinet soon, possibly to appease disgruntled leaders ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit.
On the other hand, DCM D.K. Shivakumar appears determined to push forward his long-awaited claim to the chief minister’s chair. With his supporters intensifying calls for a change in leadership after the Congress completes two and a half years in office, the pressure on the state high command has increased. Adding to the political theatre, a new book titled “A Symbol of Loyalty” has been released in Shivakumar’s honour a move that his critics say signals his growing national ambitions and intent to project himself as a loyal yet capable alternative within the Congress fold.
Insiders say the Congress high command has instructed both leaders to maintain unity until the conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections, suggesting that any discussion on leadership transition will be taken up only after November. However, the timing of Rahul Gandhi’s scheduled Karnataka visit — expected around November 19 has fueled speculation that the issue may soon come to the forefront.
While Siddaramaiah’s camp insists he will complete a full five-year term, reports indicate that the veteran leader may consider a reshuffle to reinforce his grip without formally handing over power. Some political observers believe Siddaramaiah could eventually agree to a transition, but only in favor of leaders loyal to his faction not necessarily D.K. Shivakumar.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s latest remarks, made in Belagavi, have added to the confusion. After previously asserting that his father would remain CM for five years, he recently told a gathering that Siddaramaiah was “in the final phase of his political career” and that Satish Jarkiholi, known for his pro-Dalit stance, should succeed him. The statement shocked the party and drew sharp criticism from several Congress MLAs, particularly those aligned with the Shivakumar camp.
Supporters of D.K. Shivakumar, including several legislators, have previously declared that he would assume the chief ministership after the mid-term point of the government. However, the party high command had issued a warning against such statements, calling them violations of party discipline.
When asked about Yathindra’s controversial remarks and demands from some MLAs for disciplinary action, Shivakumar diplomatically avoided direct confrontation. “I will speak wherever I need to speak,” he told reporters, adding, “Discipline is the priority of my party.” His calculated response reflected a strategy to avoid amplifying the controversy while signaling alignment with the demand for internal discipline.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has submitted a detailed report to the party high command regarding Yathindra’s remarks in Belagavi. The report reportedly underscores the need to control repeated public statements from certain leaders, including Yathindra, which have created unnecessary friction within the party.
