Karnataka Power-Tussle: Shivakumar Heads to Delhi for Key Talks
Karnataka Power-Tussle: Shivakumar Heads to Delhi for Key Talks
Karnataka's internal leadership clash heats up as Shivakumar heads to Delhi for crucial discussions while Siddaramaiah presses ahead with his agenda.
Tensions within Karnataka’s Congress leadership are reaching a fever pitch as deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar heads to Delhi for crucial talks, even as chief minister Siddaramaiah publicly signals his intent to complete a full term. The two leaders have been trading public signals for days, with the Delhi visit framed as a turning point in any potential power-sharing arrangement.
Shivakumar, who was seen sharing a stage with Siddaramaiah at a government event marking 50 years of the Anganwadi programme, has been busy lobbying party MLAs from Malluru, Kolar, Mulbagal and Kunigal ahead of the high-stakes discussions. His brother, MP DK Suresh, has already landed in the national capital for a series of meetings, while Shivakumar himself plans to meet MPs to push stalled Karnataka projects. On his departure, Shivakumar stressed that his Delhi travel is about Karnataka’s priorities, saying, “I will definitely go to Delhi. It is our temple,” and that Delhi would guide the Congress as it has a long history.
On the ground in Delhi, DK Suresh offered no direct comment on the political debate, instead noting that the government and the CM would answer any issues, while framing the BJP’s criticisms as attempts to stay in the news. The day’s events also saw Shivakumar publicly documenting his outreach via social posts, highlighting the ongoing push to solidify support for his position while navigating the party’s higher command.
The Karnataka drama has drawn sharp reactions from rival forces. The BJP mocked the internal Congress jockeying, calling it an OTT series of “Congress vs Congress” as leadership signals collided with public-policy priorities. In a separate development, a top seer, Nanjavudtha Swamiji, publicly endorsed Shivakumar for chief minister amid the power tussle, adding a religious voice to the political mix.
The tension took another turn when Shivakumar circulated a note attributed to Sonia Gandhi, describing a moment where leadership and power were weighed within the party. The note amplified the sense that the Congress is navigating complex internal dynamics at a critical juncture following electoral setbacks. Whether this will translate into a formal power-sharing agreement or a reshaping of Karnataka’s leadership remains to be seen.
As Delhi becomes the stage for decisions that could shape Karnataka’s next chapter, the central question remains: will the party’s high command broker an arrangement, or will the rift persist and influence governance at the state level? The weeks ahead are likely to reveal the next moves in this ongoing leadership puzzle.
Cover image source: ‘Now time for Vokkaligas’: Top seer backs DK Shivakumar for Karnataka CM amid power tussle 🔗
