Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar photo-op in Delhi as Congress meets to decide leadership
The two senior Congress leaders reached Delhi after they were summoned by the party high command for discussions on the long-simmering power tussle in Karnataka.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar struck a united pose in Delhi on Tuesday amid growing buzz over a possible leadership change in the state.
While the party officials said that the two senior Congress leaders were in Delhi for discussions over the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, sources told India Today that they were summoned by the high command for discussions on the long-simmering power tussle in Karnataka, an issue the leadership has so far avoided addressing publicly.
Party sources said the Congress leadership wants to settle the matter and end the persistent infighting and public bickering between the two camps in the state.
However, before reaching the Congress Headquarters at Indira Bhawan, both Siddaramaiah and Karnataka's number 2, DK Shivakumar remained tight-lipped about the discussions and the likely outcome when confronted by reporters outside the venue.
When asked about ongoing speculation surrounding the meeting and possible leadership discussions, Siddaramaiah remarked, "It is always there".
Party MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, general secretary KC Venugopal, party spokesperson Randeep Sujrewala also reached Indira Bhawan for further deliberations to find a way to break the deadlock that has been at the centre of Karnataka politics for a little over a year now.
Several ministers believed to be close to the Chief Minister, including Satish Jarkiholi, G Parameshwara and HC Mahadevappa, also travelled to Delhi, adding to political buzz around the visit.
The development comes as the Congress government completed three years in office on May 20, triggering renewed debate within the party over leadership arrangements and ministerial representation.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Siddaramaiah confirmed that he had been invited to Delhi by the party leadership but said he was unaware of the agenda.
"I'm invited to Delhi. Tomorrow there is a meeting by 11 am. I don't know the subject. But, I'm invited. Last night, KC Venugopal (AICC general secretary - Organisation) called me and intimated to me about the date and the meeting," he said.
Shivakumar, who also serves as the Karnataka Congress president, initially maintained that he would travel to Delhi only if summoned by the high command. Later, he confirmed his visit to the national capital. "During a certain situation, I will have to go, I'm going," he told reporters.
Avoiding direct comments on the possibility of a change in Chief Ministership, DK Shivakumar stated, "I don't know about it, I don't want to comment on it, it's not my job".
THE KARNATAKA DEADLOCK
Speculation over the leadership issue has persisted ever since Congress formed the government in 2023. Supporters of Shivakumar have repeatedly pushed for his elevation, citing a reported power-sharing arrangement reached at the time of government formation.
Siddaramaiah, however, has consistently asserted that he will complete the full five-year term.
Party insiders indicate that the Congress high command may discuss not only the leadership tussle between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, but also the upcoming elections to four Rajya Sabha seats in Karnataka, where Congress is expected to secure three seats.
Discussions may additionally touch upon the rollout of the SIR of electoral rolls in the state.
Meanwhile, within the Congress, concerns are growing that the prolonged leadership debate is affecting governance and damaging the government's image.
Alongside demands for clarity on leadership, pressure is also mounting for a Cabinet reshuffle, with several MLAs aspiring for ministerial positions lobbying the party high command in Delhi.
Sources suggest Siddaramaiah is in favour of a Cabinet reshuffle, while Shivakumar wants the leadership question settled first.
Party insiders believe that if the high command approves a reshuffle before any leadership change, it would strongly indicate that Siddaramaiah is likely to remain Chief Minister for the full term, effectively ending Shivakumar’s hopes of taking over the top post anytime soon.