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The political battle for Karnataka’s top post has intensified as fresh reports suggest Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sought the support of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after allegedly struggling to get an audience with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding the chief ministership issue.
The development comes amid growing speculation that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could step down as part of an internal power-sharing arrangement within the Congress party. The leadership tussle has now become one of the biggest political talking points in the state.
DK Shivakumar’s Push for Chief Minister Post
According to reports, D.K. Shivakumar made several attempts to meet Rahul Gandhi in Delhi to discuss the long rumored rotational chief minister formula in Karnataka. However, after reportedly failing to secure direct communication with Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar is said to have reached out to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for intervention.
Sources within the Congress claim Priyanka Gandhi’s involvement revived discussions around the possibility of a leadership change in Karnataka. The reported move highlights Shivakumar’s growing urgency to secure clarity over his political future within the Congress government.
Siddaramaiah Exit Speculation Intensifies
The reports surfaced at a time when speculation over Siddaramaiah’s possible resignation has gained momentum in Karnataka political circles. Several Congress MLAs and party insiders believe a transition in leadership could happen soon, although the party leadership has not officially confirmed any decision.
Siddaramaiah recently cleared a major political hurdle by accepting the long-delayed caste census report submitted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes. Many observers view the move as a significant final policy decision before a potential leadership transition.
Congress Faces Internal Power Struggle
The Congress party has been dealing with an internal power struggle in Karnataka ever since it returned to power in the 2023 assembly elections. Both Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar emerged as strong contenders for the chief minister’s post after the victory.
Eventually, the Congress leadership appointed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister while Shivakumar became Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president. Since then, rumors of a rotational CM agreement between the two leaders have repeatedly surfaced.
Supporters of Shivakumar have intensified pressure on the party leadership in recent weeks, demanding that he now be given the opportunity to lead the government.
Congress Leadership Yet to Confirm Decision
Despite the intense political speculation, senior Congress leaders have publicly denied that any immediate decision has been taken regarding a change in leadership.
Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala stated that the party would officially inform the public if and when any decision regarding Karnataka leadership is finalized. 5
However, behind-the-scenes meetings in Delhi and Bengaluru continue to fuel speculation about negotiations between the Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar camps.
BJP Targets Congress Over Karnataka Turmoil
The BJP has sharply attacked the Congress over the ongoing leadership uncertainty in Karnataka. BJP leaders accused the ruling party of focusing more on internal power battles than governance.
The opposition has also attempted to bring caste and regional equations into the debate, arguing that replacing Siddaramaiah could impact Congress’s AHINDA support base — a coalition of minorities, backward classes, and Dalits that has traditionally backed the veteran leader.
Political analysts believe any leadership change in Karnataka could significantly impact Congress’s strategy ahead of future elections.
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Karnataka Politics Enters Crucial Phase
With speculation continuing to grow, Karnataka politics now appears to be entering a decisive phase. Whether Siddaramaiah continues as Chief Minister or D.K. Shivakumar finally gets the top post remains uncertain, but the internal Congress power struggle has clearly intensified.
For now, the party leadership faces the difficult challenge of balancing political ambitions, caste equations, and government stability in one of Congress’s most important states.
