Siddaramaiah vs Shivakumar: Congress faces infighting in Karnataka amid BJP’s ‘November revolution’ claim

The unrest coincides with the two-and-a-half-year mark of the Congress government, when Shivakumar’s supporters claim an “unwritten promise” of rotating chief ministership was supposed to be honoured.

Karnataka’s political landscape is heating up, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissing talk of a “November revolution” as a media construct even as the BJP intensifies its claims of a brewing revolt within the ruling Congress. The Chief Minister insists that his position is secure and that neither leadership change nor succession is under discussion.

Siddaramaiah has reportedly conveyed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge that repeated speculation, largely driven by the DK Shivakumar camp, is hurting the government’s image in the state and damaging the party nationally.

Kharge, according to party insiders cited in a News18 report, has assured him that he will evaluate the situation. Siddaramaiah is set to meet him during a two-day state tour.

The BJP, sensing vulnerability, has, in the meantime, ramped up its offensive.

Leader of Opposition in the state, R Ashok, declared that the Congress’ “November revolution” had already begun, pointing to MLAs making trips to Delhi and renewed chatter of a change at the top. He also cited last week’s Rs 7 crore heist in Bengaluru as proof of “collapsing law and order” and claimed both Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar had “failed” midway through their tenure.

Furthermore, BJP's Bhawna Bohra added that a “clear divide” had emerged among Congress MLAs and accused the high command of sowing confusion, saying governance was being overshadowed by the power struggle.

Notably, the unrest coincides with the two-and-a-half-year mark of the Congress government, when Shivakumar’s supporters claim an “unwritten promise” of rotating chief ministership was supposed to be honoured.

A group of MLAs aligned with him has travelled to Delhi seeking clarity from the central leadership, though they have not secured meetings so far.

While speculation has centred around a leadership change, Congress sources cited in the above-mentioned report state that the buzz began after signals of a possible cabinet reshuffle.

Siddaramaiah’s supporters have argued that letting him pick ministers in the reshuffle would cement his authority for the full term. The CM has stressed that any reshuffle will be decided by the high command.

Shivakumar, meanwhile, has publicly downplayed factionalism, saying MLAs visiting Delhi should not be viewed as unusual and reiterating his commitment to the party’s leadership.

Amid rising tensions, the Congress central leadership is attempting to rein in the discord.

Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar agreed that the current narrative was being fuelled by a weakened BJP in collaboration with sections of the media.

Surjewala has acknowledged that some Congress MLAs’ “needless statements” had worsened the situation and said the party has issued strict warnings against public remarks on leadership issues. He added that vested interests were trying to undermine the government’s flagship “five guarantees” and broader performance.

Siddaramaiah has, however, reiterated that he will present the next state Budget, signalling confidence in completing his full term.