Bengaluru: The ghost of the 2023 power-sharing drama has come back to haunt the Congress high command as the simmering rivalry between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar once again threatens to split the party in Karnataka.
Senior leaders close to Shivakumar have quietly intensified lobbying in New Delhi, reminding Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge of the “Dharamshala understanding”— the alleged 2023 pact under which Siddaramaiah would step down after two-and-a-half years to make way for DK. With the halfway mark approaching in May 2026, Shivakumar’s camp is pushing hard, arguing that the Vokkaliga strongman delivered the government while the veteran Lingayat-backed CM has had his full run.
Siddaramaiah, however, shows no mood to retire. Sources say the 77-year-old CM has told the high command that any mid-term change would damage the party ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls and local body elections. His supporters highlight his welfare schemes and grip over the AHINDA (minorities, backward classes, Dalits) vote bank as reasons to let him complete the term.
The tug-of-war has already begun affecting governance, with delayed cabinet expansion and public spats over credit for schemes. A worried high command has deputed two senior generals to Bengaluru next week for fresh soundings.
As Karnataka watches another round of the musical chairs saga, one question dominates Lutyens’ corridors: Will Congress repeat the Himachal blunder or finally bury the two-CM formula for good?