Karnataka Leadership Row: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar clash over promises and power-sharing. Read full details of the ongoing leadership tussle in Karnataka Congress.
Bengaluru, Karnataka: The political heat in Karnataka is rising as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar publicly spar over the state’s top leadership post. The exchange comes as the Congress government crosses the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, 2025.
The two leaders, once allies in the party, appear to be at odds over a rumored power-sharing arrangement, which Shivakumar seems keen to see honored.
“Word Power is World Power,” Says Shivakumar
On Thursday, Shivakumar posted on social media, emphasizing the importance of keeping promises. “Keeping one’s word is the greatest strength in the world! Word power is world power,” he wrote.
He added, “Everyone, be it a judge, president, or even me, has to walk the talk.” Political insiders interpret his words as a reminder to the Congress leadership and Siddaramaiah of an alleged agreement made in 2023 after the state elections.
Siddaramaiah Highlights Governance and Full-Term Commitment
Siddaramaiah responded with a firm stance, focusing on his government’s achievements. In a social media post, he said, “The mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years.”
He detailed key initiatives like Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Yuva Nidhi, Anna Bhagya, and Gruha Jyoti, which include free electricity, financial aid to women, and free bus rides for women.
Reflecting on his first term (2013–2018), Siddaramaiah highlighted that 157 of 165 promises were fulfilled, achieving over 95% delivery. In the current term, more than 243 out of 593 assurances have already been implemented.
He stressed, “Our word to Karnataka is not a slogan; it means the world to us.”
The Backstory: A Contested CM Post
After the Congress’ sweeping victory in 2023, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar competed for the Chief Minister’s chair. Siddaramaiah eventually assumed office, with Shivakumar taking the Deputy CM role.
Rumors of a rotational Chief Minister arrangement, giving Shivakumar a chance to lead midway through the term, have circulated but were never officially confirmed. Siddaramaiah has publicly rejected such reports, asserting that he intends to complete the full five-year term.
Sources indicate that MLAs and ministers loyal to Shivakumar have traveled to Delhi to press the party high command to consider making him Chief Minister, citing the alleged agreement.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM Shivakumar are in a public power tussle.
- Shivakumar emphasizes the value of keeping promises, hinting at a previous understanding.
- Siddaramaiah highlights governance achievements and commits to completing five years in office.
- Rumored rotational CM formula remains unconfirmed by the Congress party.
- Political maneuvering continues as Shivakumar’s supporters lobby the high command in Delhi.
The leadership dispute between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar underscores internal tensions within the Karnataka Congress. As both leaders stake their claims, the coming months could see intensified lobbying and political maneuvering in Bengaluru, with the party’s high command caught in the middle.