Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar's Strategic Moves Under Scrutiny as CM Siddaramaiah Eyes Party Leadership for Assembly Elections
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Synopsis
The Congress party in Karnataka is facing a tense situation as Deputy CM Shivakumar's position is threatened by CM Siddaramaiah's ambitions for leadership in the upcoming Assembly elections. Political maneuvering and community support play crucial roles in this unfolding drama.
Key Takeaways
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah aims to lead the Congress in upcoming elections.
- Deputy CM Shivakumar faces challenges from party ministers aligned with Siddaramaiah.
- Internal party dynamics are shifting, with marginalized community leaders uniting against Shivakumar.
- The political landscape in Karnataka is heating up as elections approach.
- Unity between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar is critical for Congress stability.
Bengaluru, Feb 13 (NationPress) Anticipation runs high within the ruling Congress party in Karnataka following Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s declaration of his intent to serve his full term and spearhead the party in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
The Congress faction is especially wary of Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s enigmatic tweets, suggesting that “efforts may be in vain, but prayers will undeniably bring success.”
This development follows AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks on appointing new state presidents for the party.
Additionally, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a close ally of CM Siddaramaiah, has been in New Delhi for two days engaging with senior leaders.
Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna, a devoted supporter of CM Siddaramaiah, also made a trip to New Delhi.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara is anticipated to head there next week.
All these leaders belong to marginalized communities and are allegedly collaborating against Deputy CM Shivakumar’s influence in the party under CM Siddaramaiah’s direction.
Shivakumar is now in a precarious position — on one side, he risks losing his role as State President, while on the other, his aspirations of becoming the undisputed leader of the party in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections have been significantly undermined by CM Siddaramaiah’s announcement of his willingness to not only complete his term but also to pursue a third term.
Moreover, Shivakumar faces challenges from ministers loyal to Siddaramaiah, who have publicly opposed him.
These ministers have been vocally advocating for the establishment of additional Deputy CM roles in the state and have been promoting a Dalit candidate for the CM position should there be a leadership transition.
Shivakumar, representing the Vokkaliga community, was instrumental in consolidating Vokkaliga votes for the Congress party during the Assembly elections.
He was presented as a CM candidate alongside CM Siddaramaiah. However, with influential leaders from marginalized communities coming together and lobbying against him, it remains uncertain how he will maneuver through this political dilemma.
Sources indicate that the party high command is proceeding cautiously, as any decision made could send adverse signals to the public and severely impact the party’s structure.
Despite facing accusations of irregularities and several serious incidents in the state, the opposition BJP and JD(S) have not been able to disrupt the ruling Congress, as CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have remained unified.
There are concerns that if their unity falters, the party could descend into turmoil.
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy are making concerted efforts to reclaim their influence over the Vokkaliga community.
Reports suggest that the ruling Congress party is poised for heightened political activity beginning next week. Until now, tensions have been muted due to the prestigious Aero India 2025 event and the Global Investors’ Meet taking place in Bengaluru.
