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Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ambiguity over chief minister post deepens internal divide in Karnataka Congress
Bengaluru: The Congress party in Karnataka is heading into a critical phase as internal tensions between chief minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar escalate, raising concerns about the stability of the state govt and the party's long-term prospects. At the heart of the conflict is the unresolved issue of a change of guard. An unwritten understanding is believed to have been reached when Congress formed the govt in May 2023 — that Siddaramaiah would serve as chief minister for two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar would take over. If honoured, this transition would take place in Nov this year. However, with no official word from the party high command and no signs of preparation for a handover, the issue is becoming increasingly contentious. Both functionaries remain indispensable to the party in Karnataka — Siddaramaiah with his Ahinda (backward classes, minorities and Dalits) clout and administrative experience, and Shivakumar with his fundraising abilities and control over the party organisation. Buoyed by loyal support, Siddaramaiah is showing no signs of stepping aside. Instead, he is consolidating his position and intends to serve a full term, sources say. This has left Shivakumar's camp testy. The latest face-off was the transfer of engineers from the water resources department which he oversees. Shivakumar's decision to record his displeasure in writing marks a significant shift. Sources say the move signals a deliberate attempt to assert his position. "The fact that he put it in writing is a message to the party," said a senior Congress functionary. "He's not going to remain passive as the CM strengthens his grip." It is said Shivakumar views the reassignments as an effort to weaken his administrative authority. The timing of the rift too is significant. With the Muda site allotment case — in which Siddaramaiah's wife is involved — still under investigation, Shivakumar's camp sees a narrowing window to press for a change at the helm. Although Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing, the case has dented his moral authority in some quarters. "Siddaramaiah believes these developments are part of a larger plan to push him out. His focus now is to prove that his leadership remains strong and that he can withstand political and personal attacks," said an MLA from Bengaluru. The party high command is under pressure to take a clear stand. With reports pouring in from both camps, central brass will have to decide whether to enforce the unwritten pact of a mid-term transition, or back Siddaramaiah for a full term. Some in the party have questioned whether Shivakumar has the mass appeal necessary to lead both the govt and party unit. "Shivakumar has a strong organisational base, especially among Vokkaligas, but has not yet emerged as a statewide mass leader," said a party strategist. "The high command will take this into account before making any decision." Congress is at a crossroads. If central brass delays a decision, it could inflame tensions, potentially destabilising the govt. But a change at the helm could provoke resistance from Siddaramaiah's camp and fracture the party's support base. "Unless the high command intervenes with a clear roadmap, this cold war could escalate into a full-blown crisis," a senior party functionary said. "Shivakumar played a key role in bringing the party to the helm. His aspirations must be addressed, but timing and strategy will be crucial." With local body elections and possible bypolls on the horizon, the transition question is likely to shape the party's electoral readiness and internal cohesion. Party must set out a clear roadmap: Analysts Political observers warn that the party's indecision could result in long-term damage. "If the issue of a transition is not decisively resolved, it will lead to deeper wrangling," said Sandeep Shastri, political analyst. "Unwritten power-sharing agreements are inherently unstable. Congress needs to act before the rift begins to affect governance and public perception." Prof Harish Ramaswamy, who tracks politics, said: "Indecisiveness has become the hallmark of Congress. This is leading to a political crisis within the party and amongst their top functionaries. In Karnataka's case, the time has come for the high command to clearly indicate who would be the next chief minister and when. If this is not announced, it might harm unity in the party, which is already delicately poised. Shivakumar appears determined to take charge and would not like to be disappointed.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Sidda-DKS rift casts shadow over stability of Karnataka govt
Sidda-DKS rift casts shadow over stability of Karnataka govt (Picture credit: ANI) BENGALURU: Congress in Karnataka is heading into a critical phase as internal tensions between CM Siddaramaiah and deputy, DK Shivakumar , escalate, raising concerns about the stability of the govt and the party's long-term prospects, reports Manu Aiyappa Kanathanda. At the heart of the conflict is the unresolved issue of a change of guard. An unwritten understanding is believed to have been reached when Congress formed the government in May 2023 - that Siddaramaiah would serve as CM for two-and-a-half years, after which Shivakumar would take over. If honoured, this transition would take place in Nov. However, with no official word from party high command and no signs of preparation for a handover, the issue is becoming increasingly contentious. Both netas remain indispensable to Congress in Karnataka - Siddaramaiah with his Ahinda (backward classes, minorities and Dalits) clout and administrative experience, and Shivakumar with his fundraising abilities and control over the organisation. Buoyed by loyal support, Siddaramaiah is showing no signs of stepping aside. Instead, he is consolidating his position and intends to serve a full term, sources say. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo This has left Shivakumar's camp testy. The latest face-off was the transfer of engineers from the water resources department which he oversees. Shivakumar's decision to record his displeasure in writing marks a significant shift. Sources say the move signals a deliberate attempt to assert his position. "The fact that he put it in writing is a message to the party," said a senior Congress functionary. "He's not going to remain passive as the CM strengthens his grip." It is said Shivakumar views the reassignments as an effort to weaken his administrative authority. The timing of the rift, too, is significant. "Siddaramaiah believes these developments are part of a larger plan to push him out. His focus now is to prove that his leadership remains strong and that he can withstand political and personal attacks," said an MLA from Bengaluru.
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Congress regime to hold bash in Hospete to mark 2-year completion on May 20
The Congress regime has planned a big bash at Hospete in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region on Tuesday to mark completion of two years, which close followers of the chief minister called as Siddaramaiah fest 2.O. AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge and Rahul Gandhi are expected to take part in the event where the government plans to give land ownership title-deeds to one lakh beneficiaries and promote Karnataka's model of governance as the best welfare-focused one. There are indications that Siddaramaiah would be the centre of attraction at the bash that is being overseen by his followers from the minorities, backward classes and Dalit (Ahinda) bloc. Davanagere in central Karnataka hosted the first edition of Siddaramaiah fest (Siddaramotsava) in August 2022 when he completed 75 years which set the stage for the party's return to power in the assembly polls in May 2023. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo The CM visited the venue on Friday and assessed the arrangements. He has said he expected three lakh people to participate. The party has made elaborate arrangements for parking of vehicles and with 500 food counters. Hospete in Vijayanagar district is part of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region where the Congress has a formidable presence and where the party won all five seats in the Lok Sabha elections, last year. The party hopes to ride on the success of the event for the forthcoming panchayat elections . Live Events The mega show comes amid speculations that Siddaramaiah may step aside early next year after probably breaking the late D Devaraj Urs's number of days as chief minister. The CM will turn 80 in two years. While Deputy CM DK Shivakumar is the front runner, patiently waiting to succeed Siddaramaiah, there are other senior leaders out to play spoilsport. A section of CM's loyalist cabinet colleagues is lobbying hard to either keep Siddaramaiah for a full five-year term or get one of his own camp followers as his successor. Some of them are also trying to emerge as deputy CMs in the event Siddaramaiah makes way for a new leader by often saying that they are also in the CM's race.
