Bengaluru – A planned trip abroad by a group of Karnataka Congress legislators loyal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has intensified a simmering power struggle with his deputy, DK Shivakumar, raising questions about the stability of the state’s ruling coalition. Approximately 27 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) are scheduled to depart for Australia and New Zealand on , February 17th, according to party insiders.
While legislators are publicly characterizing the travel as a routine excursion, within the Congress party it is widely viewed as a strategic maneuver to counter Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar’s efforts to convene a meeting of the Congress Legislative Party (CLP). Such a meeting is seen as a potential platform for Shivakumar to advocate for a change in leadership, fueling speculation about a possible succession before the upcoming budget session on .
The Congress party returned to power in Karnataka in 2023 following elections held amidst discussions of an informal agreement suggesting that Shivakumar would eventually succeed Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister. Anticipating a push for leadership change, supporters of Siddaramaiah are believed to have encouraged the trip to reduce the number of legislators available to support a potential motion at the CLP meeting.
The situation prompted intervention from the party’s high command, with Randeep Surjewala reportedly contacting MLAs to urge them to postpone their travel plans. While some legislators complied with the request, others proceeded with their journey, signaling their allegiance to the Siddaramaiah camp. This defiance underscores the depth of the divisions within the Karnataka Congress.
The current tensions stem from a long-running rivalry between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, both prominent figures within the state Congress. Siddaramaiah, a veteran politician with a strong base among backward classes, previously served as Chief Minister from 2013 to 2018. Shivakumar, a powerful Vokkaliga leader, is credited with playing a crucial role in securing the Congress victory in the 2023 elections, particularly in the Vokkaliga-dominated regions of southern Karnataka.
The dynamic between the two leaders has been a source of speculation since the formation of the coalition government. While both publicly maintain a facade of unity, reports of friction and competing power centers have been persistent. The recent remarks by Social Welfare Minister HC Mahadevappa, referring to dissenting MLAs as “street dogs” in response to questions about leadership change, have further inflamed the situation. Mahadevappa, known to be a close confidant of Siddaramaiah, reportedly made the analogy while referencing a High Court directive regarding stray animals, stating, “High court has said catch the street dogs and cage them. Here, the leadership is strong.”
This incident, reported by News18 on , triggered a fresh wave of speculation about the internal power struggle. The analogy was met with criticism, prompting questions about whether it was intended to silence those publicly discussing a potential leadership change.
DK Shivakumar’s position as Deputy Chief Minister and his influence within the party, particularly among the Vokkaliga community, represent a significant challenge to Siddaramaiah’s continued leadership. Shivakumar’s supporters argue that he deserves the opportunity to lead the state, given his contributions to the party’s electoral success. He currently holds the portfolios of Water Resources Department, Bengaluru City Development, and Urban Local Bodies in the Bengaluru Urban district, according to his official profile.
The unfolding events in Karnataka are being closely watched by political observers, as they could have broader implications for the Congress party’s prospects in future elections. The state is a key battleground for both the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and any instability within the ruling coalition could provide an opening for the opposition.
The planned trip by the Siddaramaiah-aligned MLAs, while presented as a routine engagement, is a clear indication of the escalating tensions within the Karnataka Congress. Whether the high command can successfully mediate a resolution and maintain unity within the party remains to be seen. The budget session in March is likely to be a critical juncture, potentially revealing the true extent of the divisions and the future direction of the Karnataka government.
The situation is further complicated by reports of potential lobbying efforts by both camps to secure the support of key legislators. The Times of India reported that the trip to Australia and New Zealand is a direct response to Shivakumar’s push for a CLP meeting, highlighting the strategic maneuvering taking place behind the scenes.
