The internal power struggle within the Karnataka Congress has escalated dramatically, moving from subtle political messaging to an open, visible confrontation. What was once a behind-the-scenes tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has now spilt squarely into the streets and onto social media timelines, laying bare the growing fissures within the ruling party. The sharp exchanges and symbolic signalling between the two top leaders have triggered a full-blown poster war, intensifying public debate over the future leadership of the state.
The controversy erupted on Wednesday when Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar posted a striking message on his official X account. The post read, “Word power is world power. The greatest strength in the world is keeping one’s promise.” The accompanying poster carried an even stronger message: whether a judge, a president or an ordinary person, everyone must honour their word. The political implications were unmistakable, and the statement was instantly interpreted as a subtle but direct nudge to the Congress high command regarding the long-speculated power-sharing formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar. According to persistent political chatter since May, Shivakumar was to take over as Chief Minister halfway through the government’s five-year term.
ಕೊಟ್ಟ ಮಾತು ಉಳಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವುದೇ ವಿಶ್ವದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ದೊಡ್ಡ ಶಕ್ತಿ! pic.twitter.com/klregNRUtv
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) November 27, 2025
As the post went viral, triggering heated reactions within political circles, Shivakumar attempted to cool tempers by clarifying that the poster circulating on social media was “not his.” However, the timing of the message and the broader political context ensured that this clarification had little effect. The suggestion had already travelled far, and the perception of internal conflict within the Congress strengthened.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, known for his sharp political instincts and quick responses, countered within hours through a strongly worded post of his own on X. He stated, “A word that does not improve people’s lives has no power.” He further added that the Congress’s promise to the people of Karnataka was not merely a slogan but “our world.” Siddaramaiah linked the post with a detailed poster showcasing his government’s achievements under the five guarantee schemes, emphasising that governance and delivery, not political statements, represented real commitment.
A Word is not power unless it betters the World for the people.
Proud to declare that the Shakti scheme has delivered over 600 crore free trips to the women of our state. From the very first month of forming the government, we transformed our guarantees into action; not in… pic.twitter.com/lke1J7MnbD
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 27, 2025
Siddaramaiah highlighted the achievements of his previous term as well, noting that his government fulfilled 157 of its 165 promises between 2013 and 2018. In the present term, he claimed, more than 243 of the 593 promises were already completed. The post was widely seen as a political assertion of stability, experience and performance, a clear signal that the Chief Minister had no intention of giving up his chair easily.
The situation escalated further as Siddaramaiah held a closed-door consultation with several senior ministers at his residence, Krishna. Ministers, including H.K. Patil, Priyank Kharge, Krishna Byre Gowda, Sharanabasappa Darshanapur, Santosh Lad and others, were reportedly present. Sources indicated that the meeting focused on political developments, governance priorities and the growing perception of factionalism between the CM and DyCM camps. The Chief Minister is believed to be consolidating support within the cabinet to counter the growing pressure from Shivakumar’s loyalists and influential community seers advocating for a leadership transition.
Amid this growing turbulence, the Congress high command has been forced to step in. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking before leaving Bengaluru for Delhi, confirmed that both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar would be summoned to the national capital. He added that the party’s high command was not a single individual but a team that included Rahul Gandhi and other senior leaders. All issues would be discussed in their presence, and a final decision would be made collectively. Kharge’s intervention marks the first significant step by the central leadership to address a crisis that now threatens to overshadow the Congress’s governance agenda in Karnataka.
Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have publicly stated that they will travel to Delhi whenever summoned, but insiders believe the meeting could be tense. While Shivakumar’s supporters insist that the power-sharing formula must be honoured, Siddaramaiah’s camp argues that stability and continuity are essential, especially ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The high command’s decision will therefore be crucial in determining whether the state leadership remains unchanged or undergoes a carefully negotiated transition.
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