Bengaluru: The political chessboard within the Karnataka Congress has entered a volatile new phase, with the long-running “power-transfer saga” between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar escalating into a full-blown internal confrontation. What was once perceived as a slow, predictable “snake-and-ladder” climb of negotiations has now frozen into factional war — and the tremors are being felt all the way in Delhi.
According to highly placed party sources, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is “deeply upset” with Siddaramaiah’s recent conduct, marking the first instance of such explicit dissatisfaction. The development is expected to significantly weaken Siddaramaiah’s bargaining power and may accelerate the pressure for a leadership change in the state.
Rahul Gandhi’s anger: The turning point
Sources reveal that Rahul Gandhi had personally sent a message to Siddaramaiah during the weekend, instructing him to meet AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, who was in Bengaluru, and communicate his concerns or demands directly. However, Siddaramaiah is said to have refused, insisting that he would discuss the matter only with Rahul Gandhi and not with Kharge.
This stance, which party insiders describe as “recalcitrant and defiant,” reportedly angered Rahul Gandhi.
A senior party strategist commented, “Rahulji saw this as unnecessary posturing. It sent a message that Siddaramaiah was undermining Kharge’s authority.”
This also explains Kharge’s much-debated remark to the media — “The party high command will take a decision” — a statement that triggered widespread confusion and ridicule on national platforms. Many questioned why the AICC president himself seemed to suggest that someone else was the real high command. Sources now say Kharge made this remark out of helplessness due to Siddaramaiah’s non-cooperation.
Yathindra’s alleged interference adds fuel
Complicating matters further are reports reaching Delhi about alleged interference by Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, the CM’s son, in administrative matters. These complaints, sources say, have “further irritated” Rahul Gandhi, who is worried that such developments may harm the party’s image.
A senior Delhi-based leader said,
“When the party is already handling a delicate power-sharing situation, such interference becomes a serious irritant.” This has led to widespread belief within Karnataka Congress that Siddaramaiah’s position has become more vulnerable than ever.
Is Siddaramaiah preparing to step down?
Interestingly, ministers close to Siddaramaiah claim that he is “mentally prepared” to relinquish the CM post after presenting the next state budget in February or early March. Some argue that the CM wants to surpass Devaraj Urs’ record as the longest-serving Chief Minister in Karnataka — a milestone he is expected to cross in December — before stepping down.
A senior minister said privately, “He may step down after achieving the Urs milestone. That will be a historic note to exit on.”
However, the Shivakumar camp continues to demand the immediate implementation of the alleged power-sharing pact, under which DKS was expected to take over midway through the term.
Will Congress break its own tradition?
The big question now is whether the Congress high command — which refused to change chief ministers in Rajasthan (Ashok Gehlot) and Chhattisgarh (Bhupesh Baghel), allowing both to complete five-year terms — will make Karnataka an exception.
With Rahul Gandhi’s displeasure now public within party circles, Siddaramaiah’s once-solid position has undeniably begun to shake. Whether this leads to a full-scale leadership transition or another round of negotiation will determine the future course of the Congress government in Karnataka.
For now, the only certainty is this: the CM’s chair is no longer as steady under Siddaramaiah as it was even a few weeks ago.
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