Shivakumar's Future in Focus as Siddaramaiah Eyes Leadership in K'taka Assembly Elections

Bengaluru, Feb 13 (NationPress) The atmosphere in the ruling Congress in Karnataka is tense following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s declaration that he is prepared to fulfill his term and spearhead the party in the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Congress faction is particularly apprehensive about Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s enigmatic tweets, which suggest that "while efforts may seem futile, sincere prayers will undoubtedly lead to victory."

This development comes shortly after AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge announced the appointment of new state presidents for the party.

In the meantime, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a close ally of CM Siddaramaiah, has been in New Delhi for two days meeting with senior leaders of the party.

Minister of Cooperation K.N. Rajanna, a strong supporter of CM Siddaramaiah, also made a trip to New Delhi.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara is expected to head to the capital next week.

All these leaders belong to marginalized communities and are reportedly campaigning against Deputy CM Shivakumar’s influence in the party at the request of CM Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar is currently in a precarious position — while he risks losing his role as State President, his aspirations of becoming the unequivocal leader of the party in the next Karnataka Assembly elections have suffered a significant blow due to CM Siddaramaiah’s announcement of his willingness to complete his term and potentially seek a third term.

Furthermore, Shivakumar faces opposition from ministers who are aligned with Siddaramaiah, openly challenging his authority.

These ministers have vocally supported the idea of creating additional Deputy CM roles in the state and have advocated for a Dalit candidate for the CM position should a leadership change occur.

Shivakumar, who belongs to the Vokkaliga community, played a vital role in consolidating Vokkaliga votes for the Congress during the Assembly elections.

He was presented as a CM candidate alongside CM Siddaramaiah. Yet, with key leaders from marginalized communities banding together and lobbying against him, it remains unclear how he will tackle this political hurdle.

Sources indicate that the party’s high command is proceeding cautiously, as any misstep could send negative signals to the public and seriously undermine the party’s structure.

Despite facing allegations of misconduct and several serious incidents in the state, the opposition BJP and JD(S) were unable to disturb the ruling Congress, as CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar maintained a united front.

There are concerns that if their alliance falters, chaos could ensue within the party.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy are making concerted efforts to reclaim influence over the Vokkaliga community.

Reports suggest that the ruling Congress party is poised for a wave of political activity starting next week, which has so far been subdued due to the prestigious Aero India 2025 event and the Global Investors’ Meet taking place in Bengaluru.