Karnataka Congress Leadership Backs D.K. Shivakumar Amid Leadership Tensions

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In a significant development within Karnataka’s Congress party, the leadership has instructed Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to continue his role as the state Congress president. This decision comes despite ongoing power struggles within the party, with several MLAs and Ministers pushing for his removal.

Leadership Tug-of-War in Karnataka Congress

The political situation in Karnataka’s Congress has been charged with rivalry and internal conflict. There has been a growing push by some Congress MLAs and Ministers, particularly those aligned with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, to replace Shivakumar as the state party president. The central point of contention has been Shivakumar’s dual role as both the Deputy Chief Minister and the state Congress president, which some party members argue violates the party’s policy of ‘one person, one post.’

The leaders advocating for Shivakumar’s removal argue that holding a ministerial position while serving as the party president limits his ability to devote time to the party, especially to interact with grassroots workers and address their concerns.

Congress High Command’s Stance on Shivakumar’s Leadership

Despite the internal tensions, Congress sources confirm that the party high command has opted to retain Shivakumar in his role. His contribution to the party’s success, particularly in securing victories in the Karnataka Assembly elections, Lok Sabha elections, and Assembly bypolls, has been recognized by the leadership. Given his pivotal role in the party’s performance, the high command is reportedly not inclined to replace him anytime soon, with no changes expected until November or December 2025.

A senior Congress functionary shared, “The party high command values Shivakumar’s leadership and is not in favor of any changes at this point, especially considering the state’s political dynamics.”

Unofficial Agreement: Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar’s Rotation?

Amid the leadership squabbles, rumors about an unofficial pact between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have surfaced. Sources suggest that there may be an agreement wherein Siddaramaiah would lead the first half of the Congress’ five-year tenure in Karnataka, after which Shivakumar would take over. While neither of the two leaders has confirmed this, party supporters have already begun lobbying for their preferred leaders, further intensifying the internal power struggle.

MLC Elections, Cabinet Reshuffle, and Honey Trap Scandals

Alongside the leadership issues, there have also been discussions regarding a potential Cabinet reshuffle and the upcoming MLC elections in Karnataka. However, Congress sources have clarified that no reshuffle is on the cards for now, and that the decision regarding MLC candidates has been left to Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to finalize.

In a surprising turn of events, the issue of alleged honey traps targeting Congress ministers and MLAs has also come to the forefront. Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna raised the matter inside the Karnataka Assembly, claiming that at least 48 MLAs had fallen victim to honey traps. This sensational claim has garnered support from other ministers, including Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi. However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed his displeasure over the matter being discussed publicly in the Assembly, criticizing Rajanna for airing such concerns in this manner.

Rajanna had recently visited New Delhi to brief the party high command on the issue, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing political drama in the state.

As the Congress party navigates through internal power struggles and leadership tensions in Karnataka, the focus remains on maintaining party unity and managing the strategic balance between the interests of the leadership. While Shivakumar’s position as the state Congress president seems secure for now, the political landscape in Karnataka remains fluid, with much depending on how these internal dynamics unfold in the coming months.

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