DK Shivakumar, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, is facing a fresh round of resistance from a section of the Congress which has cited the party's "one man one post" rule and demanded that the leader be replaced as the state unit party chief.
The development comes amid a strong buzz that Shivakumar may be elevated as the chief minister as per the power-sharing formula brokered by the central leadership of the party following the Karnataka elections in May 2023.
Though there is no official word from the Congress high command on the matter, it was widely reported that Siddaramaiah would serve as the chief minister for half his term with Shivakumar taking over for the remaining half.
With Siddaramaiah's term reaching the midway mark and leaders from Siddaramaiah's camp set to raise the issue of a power shift, leaders from the rival camp have now raised the pitch around Siddaramaiah continuing for the full term.
While the Chief Minister had earlier said that he would retire from active politics once his term concludes, he recently told a private news channel that he intended to remain in active politics beyond the full term of his chief ministership.
Leaders backing Siddaramaiah have now raised the pitch for Shivakumar's replacement as the state unit chief, possibly as a pressure tactic to prevent the rival camp from raising its demand for the latter's elevation as well as curtail Shivakumar's sway on the state unit of the party and parts of the government.
On Friday, state minister KN Rajanna met senior party leaders in Delhi and sought clarity from the high command regarding the statements made by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal in 2023. Venugopal had said at the time that Shivakumar would continue as the state unit president till the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
"It was stated that he (Shivakumar) would continue as president till the Lok Sabha elections are over. Now it is almost a year since the 2024 Lok Sabha election concluded. A lot of us are providing feedback to the party leadership. We believe they will decide at the appropriate time," Rajanna said.
The minister further said he was willing to give up his ministership if appointed the KPCC chief. “I agree to the policy of one man one post,” he added.
Shivakumar, meanwhile, maintained a studied silence on the campaign to have him replaced as the Congress chief. On Sunday though, he responded to the remarks by ministers seen close to Siddaramaiah and advised against creating confusion using Siddaramaiah's name.
"Siddaramaiah is the leader of our party. There is no question about that. His name should not be misused every day...Siddaramaiah is our leader. We need him for all elections. Zilla Panchayat, Taluk Panchayat, Vidhan Sabha, and Parliament elections. The party has made him the CM twice. Siddaramaiah is doing a good job as CM for the second time. There is no need to create confusion through media statements using his name,” said Shivakumar.
Notably, the Congress high command called for a ceasefire amid simmering factional politics in its state unit ahead of the Delhi elections. The central leadership sent key leaders from Karnataka, particularly those from the backward communities who are seen as aligned with Siddaramaih a quiet message to refrain from making public comments on party affairs and stop meeting in groups.
However, with the Delhi elections now over and Congress failing to make a mark, factional wars have resurfaced. Will Siddaramaiah make way for Shivakumar? Regardless of what the party may have previously promised to both leaders, the final word will rest with party MP and Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
